Empowering Women Farmers with Solar Pumps

Solar Pumps Transforming Women Farmers in Bihar’s Harpur Village

Harpur, a quaint village in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, is witnessing a transformative change led by a group of women farmers challenging traditional norms. Historically grappling with water scarcity that limited crop cultivation, the introduction of solar pumps by women-led self-help groups has dramatically altered the landscape. These solar pumps not only provide affordable clean energy for irrigation but also empower women economically, making them pioneers in climate adaptation.

Members of Shiv Ganga Samuha Sichai Samity self-help group (SHG) in Harpur have successfully diversified their crops, boosting family incomes significantly. Babli Devi, a group member, shares that the solar pump enabled them to grow vegetables, enhancing their economic stability. With increased income, she even purchased a sewing machine, allowing her to generate additional revenue and reduce dependency on her husband’s income.

Sunaina Devi, another group member, narrates their journey since 2013. Starting with saving money through Aga Khan Rural Support Program-India (AKRSP-I), they utilized their savings in 2016 to bore a well and install a solar irrigation pump, addressing their water issues. The pump, operational for specific hours daily, serves over a hundred farmers, generating valuable supplementary income for the group.

Traditionally, responsibilities related to irrigation have been male-dominated. However, these women-led groups are challenging gender norms, demonstrating their eagerness to participate in group irrigation programs. The solar pumps replace expensive and polluting diesel pumps, making irrigation more accessible and affordable for smallholding farmers, while also reducing environmental impact.

The Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (JEEViKA) plans to scale this model across the state, transforming self-help groups into Irrigation Service Providers. These providers not only irrigate their land but also generate income by offering irrigation services to other farmers. However, challenges such as financing and promoting these technologies persist.

Despite obstacles, the success of solar-powered irrigation pumps is evident in the increased revenue and reduced irrigation costs, showcasing the potential for clean energy to drive agricultural and economic transformation. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of non-fossil fuel-based energy sources by 2030.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Reasons tot be Cheerful}