The agricultural sector is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, contributing 18.64% to the GDP and employing 64% of the labor force. But only irrigation accounts for 43% of the total agricultural expenses. Currently, around 1.34 million diesel-powered irrigation pumps are being used to irrigate 3.4 million hectares of land. To promote renewable energy, the government aims to replace diesel pumps with solar pumps, reducing irrigation-related electricity consumption by 150 megawatts. WAVE Foundation plays a crucial role in implementing this initiative.Â
As an associate organization of the state-owned non-bank financial institution Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), WAVE is executing the solar-powered irrigation project. Under this project, 83 solar pumps with a total capacity of 3.5 megawatts and a 120-kilowatt grid integration system have already been installed across four southwestern districts (Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Kushtia, and Meherpur). Additionally, for 2024-2025 fiscal year, work is underway to install another 56 solar pumps (totaling 2.5 megawatts) and a 1.7-megawatt grid system.Â
Each solar pump saves 12,500 liters of diesel annually and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 34,000 kg. Collectively, the 83 pumps contribute to saving approximately 950,000 liters of diesel, conserving foreign currency worth BDT 1.045 billion, and reducing carbon emissions by 2,537 tons per year. These pumps generate about 3.5 megawatts of renewable energy daily, easing pressure on the national grid. Additionally, by supplying 25 megawatts of electricity annually to the grid, each pump generates an extra income of BDT 150,000.Â
For farmers, solar irrigation pumps have significantly lowered irrigation costs. Previously, irrigating one bigha (33 decimals) of land cost BDT 7,000-8,000, whereas now it costs only BDT 4,000-5,000. By implementing this technology on approximately 35,000 acres of land, 20204 tons of food grains are being produced, reducing irrigation costs by 40% and saving additional labor expenses. Farmers can now engage in other work instead of spending 45 days in the fields, earning BDT 400-500 per day. Furthermore, using underground pipelines and risers enhances land utilization and prevents water wastage. This project is not just an application of eco-friendly technology, it is ushering in a new era in the livelihoods of farmers. WAVE’s proactive implementation of solar irrigation technology sets a transformative path towards empowering farmers and preserving environment for a greener and more resilient future for Bangladesh.
