Mr. Devanand Doifode will present his APS as per the details below:

Date: 19th February 2026

Time: 1600 - 18:00 hrs.

Venue: C-TARA Conference Room No.1

Title: Operationalising the WEF Nexus at farm-scale under energy transition (solar irrigation pumps) in Maharashtra: From energy access to irrigation performance

Guide: Prof. Priya Jadhav

RPC Members: Prof. Milind Sohoni, Prof. Parameshwar Udmale

Abstract:

Irrigation remains central to agricultural productivity and income stability in drought-prone regions of Maharashtra, where increasing rainfall variability and rising energy demand have intensified the interdependence between water, energy, and food systems. APS1 covered a conceptual Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus framework from literature. APS2 focuses on Solar Irrigation Pumps (SIPs) as an entry point to understand energy transition scenarios through nexus lens, given the substantial expansion of SIP installations in recent years under initiatives of the Government of Maharashtra.

Dhanora Kale village, Purna block, Parbhani district was selected as a study area based on representative cropping patterns of the region, availability of diverse water sources for irrigation, and sufficient penetration of SIPs to allow meaningful analysis. The study begins by exploring the techno-socio-economic dimensions of SIPs, affected by poor quality of grid-supply, convenience of daytime irrigation, crop and irrigation method choices, and studying economic viability of the system. On the technical front, main emerging concerns relate to timely irrigation and the reliability of supply due to fluctuating solar insolation. The technical performance was explored through observations, surveys, and measurements of  irrigation practices of 33 farmers, and through analysis of the system characteristics for varying insolation. Results indicate a negative effect on irrigation efficiency for sprinkler usage, a common irrigation method in the state.

Other preliminary observations indicate a gradual reconfiguration of farm-level decision-making following SIP installation. This includes crop and water source choices due to the new connections and reliable energy supply. Overall, APS2 advances the WEF nexus from a conceptual construct to a farm-scale, climate-sensitive, and energy-transition-aware operational framework. By integrating techno-socio-economic realities, hydraulic performance assessment, and environmental sustainability considerations, the study contributes toward informed planning of solar-led agricultural energy transitions in drought-prone regions of Maharashtra.