Training on solar water pumps (SWP)

About the training

Agriculture accounts for close to 90% of water withdrawal in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) countries. Yet, farmers in the region face severe water scarcity, leading them to sparsely irrigate their land and rely heavily on the monsoon rain. As a result, they suffer from crop loss and compromised food security. Irrigation – a critical driver of agricultural productivity – requires electricity to pump water. However, in areas with irregular power supply and absence of grid connection, solar water pumps (SWP) provide a viable and reliable means of irrigation to farmers, who often rely on unpredictable, seasonal monsoon rain and/or expensive diesel pumps.

In this context, we are collaborating with Sunfarmer Nepal to organize a three-day virtual training programme on solar water pumps to provide relevant officials theoretical and practical knowledge that will help them implement SWP projects in their respective countries.

The SWP training was initially designed for Bhutan, as per the request of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF), Royal Government of Bhutan, for piloting a solar pump and exploring winter vegetable cultivation in Bhutan. We would like to extend this training to officials from other HKH countries since it is applicable and relevant to all.

The training will focus on the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the solar pump system. The programme will introduce theoretical concepts, sizing of system configuration, choice of sub-components, and share installation best practices, and development of design, operation & maintenance manuals.

Objectives

• Deliver foundational knowledge essential for solar water pumping systems.
• Deliver knowledge on-site survey, sizing of components, system design and outputs (single line diagrams, bill of quantity etc.), installation & commissioning, best practices, operation, and maintenance.

Training schedule

All time is in Nepal Standard Time (NPT).