Abstract
This paper aimed at assessing the economic and financial viability of solar-powered irrigation of tomato crop in Jordan Valley. Data were collected from 16 tomato farms that use solar-powered irrigation system. Another 16 farms with diesel-powered irrigation system was investigated for comparative reasons. Descriptive statistics, Cost Function Analysis (CFA), Life-cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), Water Productivity (WP) and the financial indicators of Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Payback Period (PP) and Benefit to Cost Ratio (B/C) were the main economic and financial analytical tools used in this study. The results of the study revealed that costs of inputs, labor costs and equipment and maintenance costs have had a lower adverse impact on the total revenues level when using solar-powered irrigation system. The results also indicated the preference of the investigated financial indicators (NPV, IRR, PP and B/C ratio) when solar-powered irrigation is used compared to diesel-powered irrigation. The results also revealed a lower cost of life of the farm under the use of solar-powered irrigation. The governmental policies and programs should be directed toward the concepts of renewable energy in general and solar energy uses in agriculture in particular. Special agricultural extension plans in training and capacity building of farmers and extension workers on the use of solar energy in irrigation of agricultural crops should be developed. Cooperation in the fields of solar energy between the Ministry of Agriculture and related parties such as the Royal Scientific Society and the Ministry of Energy should be initiated to conduct specialized researches in the fields of solar energy use in agriculture.
Highlights
People are always looking for new sources of energy to cover their growing needs in applications of the advanced life they live
Solar-powered irrigation pumps need little maintenance, and their operating life may be more than 20 years, they are easy to install, and do not pollute the environment
Many researches showed that the use of a solar pump in pumping irrigation water is more profitable than using a diesel pump (Hossain et al, 2015; Sharif, 2013; Khair, 2015; Narale et al, 2013; Bakry & Jasem, 2013; Seham & Imad, 2012; Neil, 2012)
Summary
People are always looking for new sources of energy to cover their growing needs in applications of the advanced life they live. Solar energy applications have more attention to substitute the fossil fuel in Jordan. One of the most important uses of solar energy in the agricultural sector is generating electricity to irrigate agricultural crops, especially in view of the increasing costs of electricity consumption using fossil fuels to generate electricity (Alnogrouch, 2005). Solar-powered irrigation pumps need little maintenance, and their operating life may be more than 20 years, they are easy to install, and do not pollute the environment. Diesel-powered irrigation pumps are characterized by low capital costs, fast and easy installation and widespread use. Their disadvantages include their high operational costs and maintenance costs, short life span, noise and environmental pollution (Neil, 2012)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.