Title: STATUS OF AGRICULTURE SOLAR PUMP USER FARMERS: REWARDS AND REALITIES

Authors: Suhas K. Panke, Vasant A. Deshmukh and Ravindra L. Korake

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: solar irrigation pumps, renewable energy in agriculture, operational challenges

Volume: 40

Issue: 1

Year: December 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2025.40.1.0029

Abstract: This study assesses the experiences of 114 farmers using DC-powered solar irrigation pumps (3, 5, 7.5 HP) in Ambajogai, Kaij, Parali, Dharur, Wadwani and Majalgaon (Beed district) during May-Aug 2025. Majority pumps were installed under state-sponsored schemes (MEDA/MSEDCL) (MSEDCL, 2024; Press Information Bureau, 2024). A structured survey captured socio-economic data and farmers' perceptions of benefits (e.g., irrigation time/cost savings, labor reduction, yield effects) and problems (cost/subsidy delays, technical issues, maintenance, weather performance, scheme awareness). Descriptive analysis (means, percentages) revealed substantial gains: on average, irrigation time was reduced by ~47% and costs by ~43% compared to prior electric pumping (Modi et al., 2020; Yadav et al., 2020). Groundwater lifting increased by ~35%, and 59.6% of farmers reported higher crop yields (mean +31%). Reduced labor needs were noted (53.5% moderate, 15.8% high reduction) (Patel et al., 2019; Modi et al., 2020). Farmers valued daytime irrigation without power cuts, low operating cost and simplicity. Major challenges included high upfront costs/subsidy delays, lengthy application/installation processes, limited performance in cloudy conditions, and gaps in maintenance support. Notably, 27% lacked repair facilities and two-thirds had <3 hours pump operation on cloudy days. Information on schemes was often obtained individually (38%) rather than through official channels, indicating limited outreach (Gupta, 2019; IISD, 2021). Key findings suggest that solar pumps significantly lower irrigation costs and improve reliability for Beed farmers, but better implementation support is needed. It is recommended streamlining approvals, strengthening local service networks, and extension outreach to maximize the benefits of solar irrigation in semi-arid Maharashtra.