Farmer Responses to Solar Irrigation in India Agent-Based Modeling to Understand Sustainable Transitions WELL-LABS

Farmer Responses to Solar Irrigation in India

Agent-Based Modeling to Understand Sustainable Transitions WELL-LABS

Solar irrigation in India aims to address irrigation access and groundwater overexploitation. Many Indian farmers rely on rainfall, making them vulnerable to climate variability and limiting their crop options. Solar irrigation offers the potential to increase irrigation access for farmers without grid connections or expensive diesel pump sets while curbing groundwater abstraction through net metering.

Agent-based modeling (ABM) was used to understand farmer choices and transitions before and after solar irrigation. The study suggests that sustainable transitions are physically possible, but deep lock-ins in agriculture and biophysical constraints limit changes. Case studies in different regions highlight specific challenges and potential outcomes.

For solar irrigation to bring true change and crop diversification, sociotechnical evolutions are necessary, including changes in agricultural and energy policies. It is crucial to examine local contexts and apply the ABM approach accordingly to make a significant and lasting impact on groundwater sustainability and farmer incomes.

This report provides valuable insights into the complexities of implementing solar irrigation in India and the need for context-specific strategies to achieve desired outcomes.