Solar-powered irrigation is steadily transforming agricultural energy use in northern Bangladesh, helping farmers reduce dependence on diesel amid ongoing global fuel market volatility and rising irrigation costs.
Farmers in the Rangpur region are increasingly turning to solar irrigation systems as fuel price fluctuations and supply uncertainties continue to affect agricultural production. Officials say the shift is already contributing significantly to energy savings and lowering pressure on imported diesel.
According to the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and other agencies, around 596 solar irrigation units were operational across eight districts in the Rangpur Division during the last irrigation season. These systems collectively generated about 5.9 to 5.96 megawatts of electricity per day.
This output has helped save an estimated 75 lakh litres of diesel over a four-month irrigation period, reducing both import dependency and foreign currency spending on fuel.
Farmers say the adoption of solar irrigation has eased long-standing concerns over diesel shortages, rising prices and unreliable electricity supply, allowing timely irrigation and lower production costs.
They said the solar-powered system now irrigates around 15 bighas of maize and vegetable fields, adding that the system ensures uninterrupted irrigation even during fuel shortages.
However, the farmers pointed out that solar installations remain underutilised for nearly eight months each year outside the irrigation season, suggesting to introduce net metering so surplus electricity could be supplied to the national grid, benefiting farmers and the power system.
It was also said that solar irrigation has eliminated fuel worries and improved crop output, while reducing costs.
Energy sector officials and experts said the transition from diesel to solar irrigation offers a sustainable pathway for Bangladesh’s agriculture sector, particularly as the country remains vulnerable to climate change and global energy shocks.
They also emphasised the need for expanding solar irrigation projects, modernising existing systems and integrating them with the national grid through net metering to maximise energy efficiency and economic benefits.
