Economic Viability of solar irrigation pumps for Sustainable Agriculture in Maharashtra: - Adoption Response by farmers

Dr.Parmeshwar Honrao

Volume : IV, Issue : VIII, August - 2015

Economic Viability of solar irrigation pumps for Sustainable Agriculture in Maharashtra: - Adoption Response by farmers

Dr. Parmeshwar Honrao

Abstract :

Present paper investigates the Economic Viability of proposed scheme of solar powered irrigation pumps in Maharashtra where farmers could be used to gather solar energy for existing submersible and diesel pump. The Maharashtra agriculture sector is already facing many problems relating to sustainability. Since the solar pumping systems are integrated with micro irrigation, the inherent multifold advantages of micro irrigation which include huge water saving increase in yields, fertilizer savings and other input cost savings are at the door-step of the farmers. Apart from this, increase in productivity would lead to increase in net income of farmers by 3-4 times as compared to rain fed farming. Small and marginal farmers are deprived of both water and power. Most of them hardly have any irrigation facility. Majority of the small farmers have to depend on rain-fed farming for their livelihood. Their income levels are very low. This innovative model of Integrated Solar Powered Micro Irrigation involving different components such as development of on-farm water source, like farm ponds, solar pumping systems, piping and micro irrigation systems would ensure reliability of water supply and power supply to the small farms in Maharashtra.er for watering their farms.