Field visit to Tempakha solar lift-irrigation site

Organisers: Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan, ICIMOD and IDRC

Background

Two pilot solar-powered lift irrigation systems were developed in Bhutan’s Humpathang and Tempakha, representing two delivery models: an individually owned system and a community-managed system. The models respond to different landholding and settlement patterns, with the individual system better suited to scattered farms and community system to clusters of nearby plots.

Pilot sites were identified through a systematic planning process. Government-priority areas were first screened using the Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) platform, considering factors such as un-irrigated agricultural land, solar resource availability and market access. This was followed by participatory beneficiary selection with local governments and communities, pre-feasibility assessments, multi-criteria prioritisation and detailed feasibility studies.
The pilots demonstrate how solar energy can support irrigation in water-scarce mountain communities while keeping system design women-centred and user-friendly. Features such as remotely switching on pumps through mobile phones and on-farm pipe outlets serving clusters of plots help reduce labour requirements and improve accessibility.

Beyond improving irrigation access, the project placed strong emphasis on women’s participation in planning, implementation, capacity building and local governance, helping ensure that the systems are not only technically viable, but also inclusive, locally owned and sustainable.

The pilot systems are expected to:

•  Improve reliable irrigation access for beneficiary households
• Enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
• Reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-powered pumping systems.
• Strengthen community ownership and local management through Water User Associations.
• Demonstrate a scalable model for renewable energy-powered irrigation in Bhutan.

Objective

The field visit objectives include:

• Interaction with the community and beneficiaries: Engage directly with the community to understand their experiences with the system
• Understanding system operation and maintenance: Observe and learn how the irrigation infrastructure is operated and maintained on a routine basis, including water scheduling, distribution practices, and the roles and responsibilities of local operators.