SoLAR Phase II Launched to Scale Climate-Resilient Solar Irrigation

The International Water Management Institute and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation have launched SoLAR Phase II, a multi-country initiative designed to accelerate socially inclusive and climate-resilient solar adoption in agriculture. Building on the results of Phase I (2019–2024), the programme now spans India, Bangladesh, Kenya and Ethiopia, aiming to expand solar irrigation solutions and strengthen clean energy transitions in farming communities.

Advances from SoLAR Phase I

Evidence generated during Phase I demonstrated the strong technical and environmental performance of both grid-connected and off-grid solar irrigation pumps. Studies in Gujarat showed that grid-linked systems did not increase groundwater extraction but offered substantial climate gains. Farmers participating in these pilots achieved significant carbon offsets and enhanced energy returns, while women-led enterprises in Madhya Pradesh improved irrigation access and household earnings.

Solarisation Efforts and National Initiatives

Solar energy continues to reshape agricultural practices across developing nations by replacing diesel pumps with reliable, low-cost power. India’s PM-KUSUM scheme, which has benefitted over one million farmers, remains central to these efforts. Insights from SoLAR interventions are expected to guide the next iteration of the scheme in 2027. Off-grid solutions have equally supported livelihood resilience by reducing fuel costs and improving access to water for cultivation.

Scaling Up Through SoLAR Phase II

Phase II aims to strengthen policy ecosystems through evidence-based planning, innovative financing and institutional capacity-building. The initiative introduces living labs to encourage context-specific experimentation and launches SolaReady, a spatial decision-support tool that maps solar irrigation opportunities aligned with climate adaptation, mitigation and sustainable groundwater use. Partners highlight the goal of making solar energy a dependable resource for rural communities, especially women and marginal farmers.

Exam Oriented Facts

• SoLAR Phase II covers India, Bangladesh, Kenya and Ethiopia.
• Phase I (2019–2024) demonstrated strong climate benefits from grid-connected solar irrigation pumps.
• PM-KUSUM has supported 1.43 million farmers as of July 2025.
• SolaReady is a new platform for planning solar irrigation interventions.

Future Pathways for Solar-Powered Agriculture

The expanded programme now moves into a multi-year implementation phase focused on embedding solar irrigation within national climate resilience plans. It seeks to ensure sustainable groundwater use, equitable farmer access and stronger links across the water-energy-food nexus in South Asia and East Africa.