Mr. Prathamesh Antarkar will present his APS as per the details below:
Date: 16th September 2025Time: 1700 - 1830 hrs.
Venue: C-TARA Conference Room No.1
Guide: Prof. Pankaj Sekhsaria
RPC Members: Prof. Anand Rao, Prof. Mahendra Shahare, Prof. Himanshu Burte
Title: An analysis of solar pumps for irrigation in India
Abstract:
In the exploration of a broad topic of 'electricity for irrigation', in this report, I present the socio-technical dimension of the solar pump. Solar pumps, as a technical object, are not new. However, interaction with society has been a recent phenomenon, particularly after the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM). I explore the irrigation practices of farmers using solar pumps in the backdrop of contextual parameters such as the availability of water for irrigation, access to, and quality of grid electricity.
I present a brief history of renewable energy and solar pumps in India, showing the different models of schemes by the state governments promoting solar energy for irrigation. The literature highlights the socio-political dimensions of solar energy, its environmental concerns, the technical and infrastructural challenges, and the importance of social context and perspectives concerning solar pumps. Based on the qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews and observations, I present my field insights from two regions of Maharashtra – Shirpur in Dhule district and Sangamner in Ahilyanagar district. Through the fieldwork, I intended to understand the reasons farmers are using solar pumps, their practices prior to their use of solar pumps, and the changes that the solar pumps have introduced in their irrigation practices.
Keywords: Solar pumps, solar energy for irrigation, practices of farmers, context of solar energy, energy transition