THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

Agriculture remains a vital sector supporting the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Traditional fossil-fuel-based diesel irrigation methods are prevalent across the Terai region of Nepal but come with significant environmental and economic drawbacks, including high fuel costs and carbon emissions. Along with synthesizing of Learnings for up- and out-scaling, this study investigates the impacts of a grid-connected solar irrigation pump micro-grid pilot project in Chhipharmai Rural Municipality (ward no.2), Parsa district. Adopting a mixed-methods research approach, the methodology integrated quantitative baseline assessments, and qualitative synthesis of field experiences. Primary socioeconomic data gathered from the eight beneficiary farmer households and compared against neighbouring non- beneficiary farmers while qualitative assessments were conducted using gender- segregated focus group discussions, pre- and post-training structured questionnaires, and project document triangulation to synthesize scaling pathways. Socioeconomic evaluations revealed a stark divergence in operational irrigation dynamics. Grid-connected SIP farmers successfully irrigated between 15 and 60 katha of agricultural land without incurring direct operational expenditures, eliminating recurring fuel and electricity expenses. Conversely, non-connected farmers faced high operational costs ranging from NRs 100 to NRs 400 per hour or per katha. To maximize system utility, an active localized water market emerged where beneficiary farmers sold surplus water to expand irrigation accessibility across 1,120 katha of neighboring agricultural land at an agreed rate of NRs 100 per katha, generating household water-sale revenues between NRs 5,000 and NRs 20,000. However, operational additional charges－specifically the routine replacement of flexible plastic distribution pipes costing NRs 200 per kilogram－noticeably reduced net financial benefits for smaller landholders. Capacity-building initiatives mobilized 40 farmers, achieving an encouraging 59% female participation rate. Pre- and post- training evaluations demonstrated a clear improvement in technical literacy, as average scores surged from a baseline of 7-12 points up to 19-23 points out of 25. Smallholders demonstrated greater confidence in performing basic maintenance and identifying loose electrical connections, while user-friendly switch interfaces lowered gender-related physical barriers associated with operating manual diesel pumps. Long-term institutional sustainability and asset ownership were further secured by the formal establishment of a user group and a specialized women’s sub-committee. Finally, resource modeling estimated an annual energy generation potential of 31 MWh, representing a foregone net-metering export valuation of NRs 40,109.53 under active zero-export constraints. This study concludes that while grid-interactive solar clustering represents an engineering and socioeconomic triumph, its scalability is bounded by institutional, regulatory, and procedural barriers rather than technical or mechanical failures.

Keywords

Agriculture, Solar, Irrigation, Design, Impact, Scaling, Capacity-building