Solar irrigation pumping system pilot project: NFSR ministry submits PC-1 for approval

The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has submitted, to Planning Commission for approval, PC-1 of Pilot Project for Introduction of solar irrigation pumping system worth Rs 520.650 million to improve growth of agriculture sector.
According to PC-1 document submitted by NFSR in November 2011, available with Business Recorder, the federal government would provide Rs 492.150 million while beneficiaries (farmers) would share Rs 28.5 million (a farmer''s share Rs 150,000 for sinking bore). There is no proposal for foreign or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) funding for this project. The project is to be financed mainly through Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
The project envisages installing 190 units of solar water pumping irrigation system, including water storage tanks and establishment of an institutional and private sector structure to have follow-up of project activities after the termination of government support.
The project consists of i) Publicity/farmers Mobilisation, ii) Intensive Training Programme for farmers; and iii) Installation of about 190 units of solar Water Pumping Irrigation System. Farmers would bear all the cost of sinking bore (average cost Rs 150,000) and total cost incurred for this purpose would be Rs 28.5 million as farmers'' share.
According to PC-1 of the project, the project is likely to be started during current financial year and is expected to be completed within 12 months, after release of funds. The average cost of the Solar Irrigation Pumping System (SIPS) including installation etc has been estimated at Rs 2.5 million per unit (including Solar Panels, Pump, and Transportation, tank, designing and Installation inclusion of all accessories).
The pilot project would be launched in some selected districts of Balochistan. The farmers would get maximum benefit from this project. Diesel Water Pumping system with 4 hours of daily operation have about 7 years life. Under this project, Solar powered System has minimum life of 25 years with average 8 hours operation per day. Assuming fuel saving, the payback is possible within 3-4 years.
The package is designed to fit into the social, economic, agricultural, hydrological and environmental circumstances in different areas of Balochistan on food production, where water or energy scarcity is a major constraint for food production, where modest amount of groundwater is available and where there is poor access to electric power and sufficient sunshine is present. The increase in food production is possible if the package allows it to be financially viable with a payback period of 3 to 4 years. The Federal government would provide financial support amounting to Rs 475 million to the beneficiaries against the cost of system.
The agriculture sector is being severely affected due to power shortage and load shedding. The main purpose of the Project is energy conservation and up-gradation of agriculture sector. The demand for electricity is far outstripping supply, especially in the agricultural sector, and it becomes increasingly difficult to meet this exponential growth in demand.
The solar water pumping system assumes relevance for optimum exploitation of the water resource and serving the small/marginal farmers for all time to come. Small scale irrigation is one of the most potential applications of solar power. The main advantage is that solar radiation is intense when the need for irrigation is high.