July 23, 2025
THIMPHU – With unpredictable monsoon patterns challenging traditional farming, a new report suggests Bhutan must fundamentally rethink its irrigation methods, advocating for solar-powered solutions to sustainably water the fields.
Historically, Bhutanese farmers relied on rainfall and gravity for irrigation.
However, a new solar lift irrigation method, successfully piloted in Paro and set for expansion to Punakha, is emerging as a viable alternative to diesel pumps and inefficient, traditional gravity-fed channels that serve only a fraction of cultivable land.
The report “Landscape Assessment of Renewable Energy (RE)-Powered Lift Irrigation Systems in Bhutan” funded by the International Development Research Centre and supported by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, outlines a comprehensive vision for a sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural future, demonstrating how clean energy can revolutionise the country’s farming practices.
The report presents 38 key recommendations aimed at improving irrigation across multiple fronts, covering policy, finance, gender equality, technical standards, and environmental safeguards.”
This holistic approach aims to build not just smarter irrigation systems but also a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector.
The report states that using renewable energy for irrigation is no longer a future goal but a present necessity. It added that the entire ecosystem, including policy, people, finance, and technology—must evolve for successful implementation. A key technical recommendation calls for national standards and certifications for RE-powered lift irrigation systems.
The report emphasises that without clear benchmarks, system quality and reliability can vary widely.
It also argued that uniform technical protocols will reduce operational failures and build trust among farmers and communities, many of whom are wary of expensive, potentially short-lived systems.
“A comprehensive technical framework should also guide site selection, feasibility studies, and risk assessments, ensuring that projects are both cost-effective and climate-resilient from the outset,” the report states.
However, financing remains the biggest barrier to scaling these systems.
The report points out that current subsidies and loans are insufficient, often pricing farmers out entirely.
To address this, it recommends diversifying business models, exploring options like asset leasing, water sales, community ownership, and lease-to-own systems.
It also suggested introducing concessional finance and blended capital to lower costs and attract private investment.
Equitable cost-sharing frameworks was also proposed, spreading financial responsibility across farmers, local governments, and the private sector to foster shared ownership and long-term maintenance.
Targeted subsidies and performance-based incentives are recommended to support early adoption, especially in remote or marginalised communities.
Crucially, the report strongly advocated for gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) to be integrated into every stage of project design.
Despite women comprising over half of Bhutan’s agricultural workforce, they remain underrepresented in decision-making and often lack access to land, credit, or technical support.
The report calls for GESI-responsive criteria in project selection, prioritising initiatives that benefit women and marginalised groups, recommending the development of GESI action plans with measurable indicators.
Capacity-building is key. The report states the importance of investing in women’s technical and entrepreneurial skills and appointing gender focal points in relevant agencies.
It also highlights a broader need for training among engineers, technicians, local government staff, and private companies to effectively design, install, and maintain RE-powered systems.
Recommendations include national certification programmes, tailored manuals in Dzongkha and regional dialects, and structured partnerships with academic and vocational institutions.
Knowledge-sharing through digital platforms, field demonstrations, and community outreach is also envisioned to showcase successes and promote adoption.
With water scarcity and erratic weather patterns on the rise, robust environmental and climate safeguards are essential.
The report calls for specific environmental impact assessment guidelines for RE-powered irrigation to prevent ecosystem degradation, aquifer depletion, or wildlife displacement.
It urges that climate-proofing be inherent in every system, designing for floods, droughts, and temperature extremes using adaptive technologies and sustainable water-use practices. Integrated Water Resource Management principles are recommended to guide planning, ensuring alignment with catchment-scale hydrology and long-term climate projections.
Social safeguards, including community engagement and conflict resolution, are also proposed to mitigate tensions over land and water use, particularly in biodiversity-rich or high-conflict areas.