Can micro solar water pumps transform small-scale agriculture in India?

A solar water pump at the edge of a pond in India. Two women dressed in sarees are attending to the solar panels on the left. There is a man to the right. A group of children watch from a concrete structure in the distance

Micro solar water pumps can significantly reduce irrigation costs while supporting India's small farmers and aligning with 2025 green agriculture goals.

Authors

The Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to agriculture in the 2025-26 Union Budget, calling it the ‘first engine of development’. About 65% of India's population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood, making this sector critical for economic growth, food security, and rural development.

A key highlight of the budget is the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, covering 100 districts to enhance agricultural productivity, irrigation, storage, and credit access. Additionally, under the Green Manufacturing initiative, incentives have been announced for solar PV cell manufacturing, reinforcing the push for clean energy in farming. These measures signal a strong policy shift toward sustainable agriculture and renewable energy-powered irrigation.

A push for solar irrigation

Traditional irrigation in India is heavily reliant on diesel and electric pumps, both of which are costly and environmentally unsustainable. Diesel pumps alone cost the small landholder farmers around ₹3,000 annually in fuel, while electric pumps consume nearly 20% of India’s total electricity. Solar irrigation offers a cleaner, long-term solution to these challenges.

The PM KUSUM scheme plays a pivotal role in this transition. Launched in 2019, it aims to deploy solar-powered irrigation systems, targeting 34,800 MW of installed solar capacity by 2026. Regional programs like Surya Raitha in Karnataka and Suryashakti Kisan Yojana in Gujarat further encourage farmers to adopt solar energy by allowing them to sell excess power back to the grid.

However, much of the current policy focus is on larger solar pumps, which risks over-extracting groundwater and making subsidies inaccessible to smallholder farmers—who constitute 83.5% of India’s agricultural households and own less than one hectare of land.

Two women dressed in sarees are unfolding a three-panel solar device next to a pond in India

What are Micro Solar Water Pumps?

Micro Solar Water Pumps (MSWPs) are designed to provide smallholder farmers with affordable and sustainable irrigation solutions. These pumps typically have a capacity of 0.5 to 3 horsepower and are suitable for small plots of land. They harness solar energy to draw water, eliminating the need for costly diesel or electricity.
MSWPs are particularly beneficial for farmers with limited resources. Once installed, their operational costs are minimal, as they rely entirely on renewable solar power. This makes them ideal for India’s agricultural landscape, where 40% of farmers depend solely on rainfall and lack access to reliable irrigation.

Two solar panels lean against the low wall of a well in India. A woman in a colourful saree is attending to some electric cables that connect them

Why scaling MSWPs is crucial

  • Affordability for small farmers: The high costs of diesel and electricity make irrigation unaffordable for many farmers. MSWPs reduce these expenses, allowing farmers to reinvest in their crops.
  • Groundwater conservation: Large solar pumps, though subsidised, could lead to over-extraction of groundwater. MSWPs, when used alongside micro-irrigation, ensure sustainable water use while increasing crop productivity.
  • Alignment with budget priorities: With the Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana focusing on irrigation and productivity, promoting MSWPs aligns perfectly with the government’s long-term agricultural sustainability goals.
  • Green energy and climate action: Incentives under Green Manufacturing for solar PV cell production further strengthen the case for MSWPs, reducing India's carbon footprint in agriculture.

How to scale up MSWP adoption:

  • Policy reforms: Current PM KUSUM subsidies favour large solar pumps, attracting farmers who may not need them. Adjusting policies to incentivise smaller pumps will ensure equitable access for smallholder farmers.
  • Increased awareness and demonstration programmes: Many farmers remain unaware of the cost savings and benefits of MSWPs. Community-based awareness programs and field demonstrations can bridge this gap.
  • Tailored financing options: Flexible credit and microfinance solutions will help farmers afford MSWPs without heavy upfront investments.
  • Integration with micro-irrigation: Only 11% of India’s irrigated land currently uses micro-irrigation. Promoting drip irrigation with MSWPs will maximise water efficiency and increase crop yields.

Micro Solar Water Pumps align with India’s budget priorities, agricultural needs, and climate goals. With the right policies, financing, and awareness, they can transform smallholder farming, ensure water security, and drive sustainable agriculture.
 

Area of expertise

Climate, Energy, and Nature