Global Forum in Kathmandu Addresses Socially Inclusive Solar Irrigation Systems
Kathmandu: The three-day Global Science-Policy Forum on Socially Inclusive Solar Irrigation Systems, organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and its partners, is underway at Hotel Himalaya, Kathmandu. This significant event, part of the Solar Irrigation for Agricultural Resilience in South Asia (SoLAR-SA) project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange on the effective and sustainable use of solar energy in agriculture.
The forum, attended by approximately 150 stakeholders from around the world, provides a platform to discuss the growing body of work and evidence in South Asia on solar applications in agriculture. Key themes include groundwater sustainability, adaptation and mitigation, business models of solar irrigation pumps (SIPs), and gender equity and social inclusion in policymaking.
In his inaugural address, Hon’ble Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet of Nepal emphasized the pressing need for climate mitigation and clean energy solutions, highlighting solar irrigation as a low-carbon method. He stressed the importance of inclusivity in project planning, particularly involving women and socio-economically disadvantaged farmers.
Experts from various countries shared insights on the benefits and challenges of solar irrigation. Dr. Sunil Kumar Ambast of India highlighted the importance of progressive interventions to ensure livelihood stability, while Engr. Asghar Ali Halepoto of Pakistan underscored the significance of solarization alongside hydropower development for economic competitiveness.
The forum also featured discussions on policy implications and the need for research-to-policy translation. Her Excellency Dr. Danielle Meuwly, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal, emphasized the role of innovative technology in addressing challenges, calling for a focus on knowledge exchange to inform policy decisions.
The event concluded with a call to action for strategic interventions and investment inflow to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security amidst climate change challenges. Participants expressed optimism about the potential of solar irrigation to address nationally determined contributions (NDC) while supporting resilient, gender-equitable, and socially inclusive agrarian livelihoods.
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The Global Forum serves as a vital platform for collaboration and learning, paving the way for impactful interventions in the field of solar irrigation and sustainable agriculture.
For further information, please contact the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
