PESHAWAR – Solar irrigation offers affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel-based pumps with climate change, rising fuel costs, and depleting groundwater threatening agriculture in Pakistan.
Experts and officials gathered in Peshawar recently to promote solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) as a sustainable solution for the growing water and energy challenges faced by farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The workshop, organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and supported by the UK government and CGIAR’s Climate Action Science Program, brought together government representatives, farmers, experts, and private sector stakeholders. The goal was to explore ways to expand solar irrigation across KP and protect precious underground water resources.
Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Director at IWMI, stressed that nearly half of the water used by farmers is extracted from underground, which is being depleted rapidly due to inefficient irrigation methods. “Solar irrigation not only reduces fuel expenses but also helps conserve groundwater, making farming more climate-resilient,” he said.
Two new digital tools introduced at the event — Solar Suitability Mapping and Solar Irrigation Pump Sizing Tool — will assist in identifying the best locations and appropriate pump sizes for solar irrigation, making implementation smarter and more efficient.
Engr. Kalsoom Rehman from the Agriculture Engineering Department highlighted that while solar pumps have higher upfront costs, their durability and low maintenance needs make them a cost-effective option in the long run. She also urged proper training to ensure groundwater is not overused.
Muhammad Amjad Shamsher from the Public Health Engineering Department warned about Pakistan’s drastic drop in per capita water availability, from 5,200 cubic meters in 1950 to just 850 cubic meters in 2020. He emphasized the link between water and food security, cautioning that Pakistan is on the brink of becoming a water-scarce country. He revealed that over 2,000 solar-powered tube wells are already installed in KP, but better groundwater monitoring is essential.
The event concluded with a call for greater collaboration, data transparency, and public-private partnerships to make solar irrigation a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture in KP. The collective agreement highlighted that solar irrigation could protect groundwater, boost farmers’ incomes, and help the province adapt to climate challenges.
This shift to solar-powered irrigation represents a hopeful step toward securing the future of farming in KP and addressing the critical water crisis facing the region.
