Solar Irrigation Potential, Key Issues and Challenges in Pakistan

Pakistan faces water scarcity and high operational costs for traditional irrigation systems, hindering agricultural productivity. Solar-powered systems (SPIS) can potentially provide a sustainable affordable solution, but face technical, financial policy barriers to adoption. A comprehensive study is needed examine feasibility identify barriers. Therefore, review conducted the potential solar irrigation, key issues challenges related its implementation in Pakistan. The analysis based on published studies, technical reports survey of solar-powered drip systems. use SPIS becoming cost-effective option particularly remote off-grid areas. However, these also have their challenges, such as initial costs, maintenance repairs, limited access spare parts, lack government policies regulations, expertise, financing options social acceptance. most pressing issue risk groundwater exploitation by using SPIS. Based energy situation Pakistan, it important sustainably both resources, through effective management strategies policies. With right investment research development groundwater, farmers benefit increasing crop yields, conserving reducing cost energy, productivity improving standard living electricity It recommended that adoption be promoted run efficiency (HEIS) with urgent capacity improvement among farmers, advisors system installers manage resources This would not only help reduce consumption fossil fuels associated environmental impacts, increase farmers’ income costs. Moreover, improve leading food security poverty reduction. Thus, policymakers should consider implementing incentives encourage large-scale sector.