Solar-powered irrigation solutions: seven innovative projects in India, Nepal and Pakistan under Innovation Fund Grant

Sharan, A. 2026. Solar-powered irrigation solutions: seven innovative projects in India, Nepal and Pakistan under Innovation Fund Grant. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 43p.

Amid growing concerns over climate change and carbon emissions, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) launched the Solar Irrigation for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) project in South Asia in 2020, with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project addresses critical barriers limiting the uptake of solar irrigation pumps (SIPs), particularly among small-scale, marginal, and women farmers. Through its Innovation Fund (IF), SoLAR has supported grantees in piloting technological, financial, and institutional solutions to enable equitable and sustainable scaling of solar irrigation.

The IF grants aimed to bridge adoption gaps, promote sustainable groundwater use, and strengthen climate-resilient livelihood opportunities. These grants represent a financial innovation designed to enhance access and reduce risks for underserved farmers. Supported interventions include solar micro-pumps for smallholders, productive use of surplus solar energy, collateral-free loans through revolving funds, data-driven monitoring systems, and community-based models such as women-led Water Users Groups and solar mini-grids. Water-efficient technologies, including hydroponics and responsive drip irrigation, were also promoted to improve water productivity.

This synthesis report documents the experiences and lessons from seven IF grantees across three countries, highlighting scalable pathways for inclusive and sustainable solar irrigation in South Asia.