2) Consider the following statements regarding solar irrigation in India:
- Grid-connected solar irrigation can incentivise farmers to save water by allowing them to sell surplus electricity to the grid.
- PM-KUSUM has helped make solar pumps affordable through subsidies.
- Solar irrigation outcomes depend only on the source of energy and not on local hydrogeology or cropping patterns.
- Standalone solar pumps may be suitable in areas with poor grid access and low groundwater risk.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 is correct:
In grid-connected solar irrigation, farmers can use solar power for pumping water and sell the unused electricity back to the grid. If a farmer pumps less water, more electricity remains available for sale. This creates an incentive to save water and earn income.
Statement 2 is correct:
PM-KUSUM supports solar pumps through subsidies. This has made solar irrigation more affordable for farmers, especially small and marginal farmers.
Statement 3 is incorrect:
Solar irrigation outcomes do not depend only on the source of energy. They also depend on local factors such as groundwater availability, water-table depth, soil type, cropping pattern, crop water demand and local irrigation practices. For example, solar pumps may have different effects in Punjab, Haryana and eastern India.
Statement 4 is correct:
Standalone solar pumps can be useful in areas where farmers do not have reliable electricity and where groundwater is not under serious stress. In such regions, solar pumps can improve irrigation access without immediately worsening groundwater depletion.