Abstract
This paper presents the results of a field study undertaken all over the Punjab, Pakistan, to evaluate the socio-economic and climatic impact of photovoltaic-operated high-efficiency irrigation systems (HEIS), i.e., drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Nearly half of the rural population relies on agriculture for a living, and the recent energy crisis has had a negative impact on rural communities. Farmers’ reliance on fossil fuels for the operation of irrigation systems has increased exponentially, resulting in the high costs of agricultural production. Primary data regarding on-farm agriculture and irrigation practices used in this study were collected through an intensive on-farm survey, while secondary data were taken from published reports and statistics. The results of the current investigation show that the installation of PV systems has resulted in the increased adoption of high-efficiency irrigation systems, a reduction in the high operational costs incurred on account of old diesel-powered pumping systems (with an annual saving of 6.6 million liters of diesel), a 100% increase in farmer’s income, a reduction of 17,622 tons of CO2 emissions per annum, and 41% savings in water. The unit cost of PV-powered HEIS was found to be 0.1219 USD/kWh, which was 4% and 66% less than subsidized electricity cost and diesel cost, respectively.
Highlights
Agriculture is essential for the growth of many countries around the world
The results showed that photovoltaic-powered high-efficiency irrigation systems have a major effect on resource savings, such as energy savings, labor cost savings, and water usage reduction, as well as improving crop yields and farmer benefits, all of which help to improve the quality of life in rural areas
The results showed that the PV-powered irrigation system was highly efficient and more economical
Summary
Agriculture is essential for the growth of many countries around the world. It is important to adopt methodologies and technologies to assist agriculture in providing food that is sufficient for the entire population [1]. Irrigation should be addressed in the context of a multidisciplinary strategy that covers the energy, water systems, and food nexus. Energy, water, and food are all interlinked valuable resources that require strategies and technologies that can promote sustainable management and efficient use [2]. The agricultural sector can be a source of renewable energy, such as biomass or biofuels, but can make a significant contribution to reducing the environmental impact of energy use by utilizing sustainable energy sources [3]. Research conducted by [4] sought to find out the social and economic implications of shifting fossil irrigation to renewable energy sources in India. Another study on the relationship between agriculture and energy was conducted in [5], to understand the economic viability of solar photovoltaic water pumping systems.
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