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Solarizing groundwater irrigation in India: a growing debate

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  • Nitin Bassi

Abstract

India is on a path to reduce its carbon emission intensity with a major thrust on increasing the grid-connected solar photovoltaic capacity. However, the carbon footprint in agriculture is on the rise. Heavy subsidies for electricity and diesel to pump groundwater for irrigated agriculture, combined with lack of regulations on water withdrawal, are resulting in both groundwater over-exploitation and increased carbon emissions. Some researchers and practitioners have suggested large-scale promotion of solar pumps for well irrigation as a way to make agricultural growth carbon-neutral and groundwater use in farming sustainable. This article examines whether solar pumps for groundwater irrigation are technically feasible and economically viable in India.

Suggested Citation

  • Nitin Bassi, 2018. "Solarizing groundwater irrigation in India: a growing debate," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(1), pages 132-145, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cijwxx:v:34:y:2018:i:1:p:132-145
    DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2017.1329137
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    Cited by:

    1. Pragati Jain & Prerna Jain & Pratyush Jain, 2022. "Implementation perspectives of solar energy irrigation policy in water deficient regions: A case of Rajasthan state in India," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 37(3), pages 207-218, May.
    2. Amar Razzaq, 2026. "Technology is not enough: rethinking policy for informal groundwater markets in a changing climate," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 13(1), pages 1-5, December.
    3. Aditya Korekallu Srinivasa & Dagmar Mithöfer, 2025. "Understanding Farmers' Policy Preferences for Solar‐Powered Irrigation Systems in Karnataka, India: A Choice Experiment Approach," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 69(3), pages 584-597, July.
    4. Soumya Balasubramanya, 2025. "Groundwater Use in Agriculture in South Asia: The Role of Technology," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 56(3), pages 474-484, May.
    5. Lefore, Nicole & Closas, Alvar & Schmitter, Petra, 2021. "Solar for all: A framework to deliver inclusive and environmentally sustainable solar irrigation for smallholder agriculture," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    6. Soumya Balasubramanya & Nicholas Brozović & Ram Fishman & Sharachchandra Lele & Jinxia Wang, 2022. "Managing irrigation under increasing water scarcity," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 53(6), pages 976-984, November.
    7. Bijoyee Sarker & Kamrun N. Keya & Fatin I. Mahir & Khandakar M. Nahiun & Shahirin Shahida & Ruhul A. Khan, 2021. "Surface and Ground Water Pollution: Causes and Effects of Urbanization and Industrialization in South Asia," Scientific Review, Academic Research Publishing Group, vol. 7(3), pages 32-41, 07-2021.
    8. Santra, Priyabrata, 2021. "Performance evaluation of solar PV pumping system for providing irrigation through micro-irrigation techniques using surface water resources in hot arid region of India," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    9. Gupta, Eshita, 2019. "The impact of solar water pumps on energy-water-food nexus: Evidence from Rajasthan, India," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 598-609.

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