Solar irrigation saves 7.5m litres of diesel in Rangpur amid fuel uncertainty

FE Team | Published: April 18, 2026 22:20:50

RANGPUR, Apr 18 (UNB): Amid global energy market volatility triggered by the Iran-Israel-US tensions and concerns over fuel supply Bangladesh's agriculture sector is feeling the strain particularly during the irrigation season, when diesel-dependent farmers face rising costs and uncertainty.
Against this backdrop, solar-powered irrigation is emerging as a beacon of hope across the Rangpur division.
Officials say around 5.9 megawatts of electricity is being generated daily from solar irrigation systems in different parts of the region, helping save around 7.5 million litres of diesel in a single irrigation season.
Farmers say the shift has eased their worries about diesel shortages, price hikes and power outages, allowing them to irrigate fields on time and reduce production costs.
At a deep tube well run by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) in Doani village of Goddimari union under Hatibandha upazila in Lalmonirhat, operator Atiar Rahman said the solar-powered system is irrigating around 15 bighas of land where maize and vegetables are widely cultivated.
"Even if diesel is unavailable or prices rise, farmers no longer have to worry, as the system runs on solar power," he said.
However, he pointed out a major untapped opportunity: the solar panels remain largely unused for most eight months of the year after the four-month irrigation season.
Introducing net metering to feed surplus electricity into the national grid during this period could benefit farmers, institutions and the government alike,
he added.
On the ground, solar panels are seen directly powering pumps to irrigate fields-without diesel fumes, fuel shortages or power disruptions.
Sudhan Chandra Sen, a farmer from Madhupur village in Kaunia upazila, said, "We don't have to worry about fuel anymore. Solar power gives us water, crops are better, and costs are lower."
"Earlier, electricity supply was unreliable, and irrigation was often delayed. Now, with solar, water is available all the time," he added.