Vol. 11, Special Issue 4 (2022)

Author(s):
NK Meena and Ram Singh, VS Meena, Sweta Singh, Rahul Kumar and Santosh Kumar

Abstract:
The solar irrigation system for pumping water from underground and from other source of water for irrigation has been recognized as new initiative. This paper demonstrates apparent advantages of solar system than diesel system of irrigation in kinnow orchard in Rajasthan. Total cost of cultivation of kinnow was worked out and found to be less on solar powered than diesel powered irrigation system and the returns over the cost for solar irrigation were found to be more money-making than diesel. It was due to novelty of solar irrigation system which not need of any fuel and energy for pumping irrigation water. The solar system consuming only sun rays to create the energy for pumping the water for irrigation. Hence, study found that solar irrigation system has enhanced the returns of farm and played a partial catalyst role to enhance the income of the farm. It has not saved the fuel cost for irrigation but also enhanced the yield of the crop without interrupted the irrigation as and when needed to the crop. Therefore, the solar system has been found many fold benefits including saving of fuel costs, continuous irrigation and environment friendly which need to tapped by each of the farmers not only in the state of Rajasthan but the farmers of each of the states especially orchardists of the country for doubling of their farm income. Making a provision of incentives on solar devices may be one of the policy options to the farmers.