Exploring the multiple dimensions of solar irrigation in South-Asian countries: Insights from a systematic review

Abstract

Solar irrigation pumps (SIP) ensure reliable, non-pollutant and cost-effective irrigation, especially in regions with high groundwater reliance and ample solar irradiance, like South Asia. Despite the various benefits of solar pumps over fossil-fuel-based pumps, their adoption remains scanty in selected South-Asian countries, i.e., India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. This study performs a systematic literature review to (i) Identify multiple drivers, barriers and impacts of solar irrigation that affect SIP’s scalability in South Asia. (ii) Highlights various dimensions responsible for the cross-country disparity in the number of solar pumps and investigates major challenges and complexities in the upscaling of SIP in South Asia. The review results indicate that capital subsidies, low operational costs, reliable water supply, and long life span influenced the adoption of solar irrigation systems in these countries. The major factors for the cross-country disparity in the adoption rate of solar pumps are government policy framework, geography and international aid. The paper concludes with several research gaps that could guide further studies.