Assam Solar Pumps: NABARD-Backed Irrigation in Tamulpur
Why in the news
A partnership between GVM, NABARD and WRI India showed how clean energy can support small farmers in a climate-sensitive state.
Background
- Over 70% of Assam depends on agriculture; 85% of farmers hold small or marginal land.
- Irrigated net sown area: 21.54% (2022) versus 49.92% nationally.
- Erratic monsoons, droughts and costly diesel pumps make rain-fed farming uncertain.
Project design
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sites | Khatarbari and Kalcheni villages, Tamulpur |
| Partners | GVM (implementer), NABARD (Tribal Development Fund), WRI India (knowledge) |
| Pumps | 2 x 2HP and 3 x 1HP submersible solar pumps for 48 acres; 3 portable pumps with trolleys co-designed with women farmers |
| Crops | Adapted Wadi homestead model: mango, guava, Assam lemon |
Outcomes
- Year-round water supply and diversified intercropping (potato, tomato, papaya, chilli, greens).
- Less manual work and more say for women in technology decisions.
- Diesel replaced by solar, backing clean energy transition.
- Shared use of portable pumps across plots.
Significance
- Flow meters and remote systems track pump performance.
- Aligned with SDGs 2, 7 and 13 and replicable in other rain-fed regions.