Solar-powered irrigation pumps are making a positive impact on farming in West Bengal, India. Farmers who switched from diesel or electricity are seeing increased profits and reduced irrigation costs. However, solar pumps continue to be expensive for small-scale farmers despite the subsidies. The high initial investment and lack of government support hinder widespread adoption. Hybrid systems and grid-connected solar pumps hold potential, but their implementation is slow. The state's PM KUSUM scheme has not taken off, and policy reservations may be a factor.
The project was funded by Mongabay India.
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