Transition to a solarized, energy efficient irrigation system; Empirical evidence from India

Agriculture sector being the backbone of the Indian economy always receives prioritized attention by the policy makers and planners. The age old debate between energy-water nexus has received a renewed thrust due to emergence of solarized irrigation systems for the agriculture sector in the country. The present study, develops a model innovatively by combining a bottom-up approach with top-down data to understand the future water and energy requirements for agriculture sector under three scenarios till 2030 for five major agrarian states, namely Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Estimates are made to understand the benefits accrued due to solarlization of existing pumps as well as by use of energy efficient pumps. Results indicate that around INR 76 billion could be saved by all the five states together due to reduction of electricity subsidy alone if such transitions are realized. Other benefits are viewed in terms of reduction in energy costs, reduction in CO2 emissions, and efficient use of water for irrigation.