Page 81 - Azerbaijan State University of Economics

THE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES: THEORY AND PRACTICE, V.82, # 2, 2025, pp. 79-95

West Bengal. Considering the important role of SWPS in sustainable rural
electrification and climate-resilient agriculture, this research seeks to outline the
determinants of the adoption of SWPS among farmers in West Bengal. It will utilize
a multi-dimensional framework to analyze economic, social, environmental, and
policy-related factors. The results will guide policymakers and stakeholders in
charting effective solar irrigation strategies with an eye to achieving equitable access
and sustained uptake in the agroecological zones of West Bengal.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The shift to sustainable economy and sustainable agricultural practices has fueled
international interest in renewable energy-based features, including irrigation
technologies, especially the solar water pumping system (SWPS) (Gatto et al., 2025)
(Bala et al., 2025; Gatto & Nuta, 2024; Geng et al., 2025; A. C. Nuta, 2024; NuȚă,
2025). These systems are gaining ground as critical tools for reducing dependency on
fossil fuels, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing irrigation reliability
among smallholder farmers. In the Indian context, particularly in West Bengal, the
factors influencing the adoption of SWPSs are complex and multidimensional,
encompassing socio-economic, environmental, technical, and institutional aspects.
India's adoption trends exhibit significant geographic disparities. A full-scale
evaluation (P. Kumar et al., 2024) emphasized that, despite policy efforts, widespread
adoption has been achieved in only a few states, such as Gujarat, primarily due to
sustained subsidies and technical support. Several studies outline the leading role of
awareness and education. Knowledge dissemination and extension services have a
direct bearing on the adoption rate (Sommerfeld & Buys, 2014). Similarly, digital
literacy and training can significantly improve system usability among rural farmers
(Yadav et al., 2023). In West Bengal, the situation is nuanced. The state receives over
2,500 hours of annual sunlight, suggesting favorable climatic conditions for solar
irrigation (Sarkar & Modak, 2024; Sathish Kumar et al., 2024). Nevertheless, to
replicate Gujarat's model, substantial policy changes are required (Powell et al., 2021).
Economic factors play a significant role in the adoption of solar water pumping
systems. The high costs associated with initial investment and concern about
affordability continue to be significant barriers for small landholding farmers (Powell
et al., 2021; Zhou & Abdullah, 2017) (Cao et al., 2024; A. C. Nuta, 2025). There are
also substantial challenges associated with the lack of financing, which limits access
to credit for farmers (Atulkar, 2022). In contrast, environmental benefits serve as
strong incentives that act as a powerful motivator, especially in areas facing water
scarcity challenges. SWPS can contribute to groundwater sustainability when
combined with effective water management practices (Datta, 2019; Shah et al., 2018).
There is also a need for integrating solar pumping into broader water governance
frameworks to avoid over-extraction (P. Kumar et al., 2024). Technical aspects such

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