Governance Failures Hinder Solar Irrigation Initiatives in Bangladesh

Publicly funded solar irrigation projects in Bangladesh are largely inactive due to inadequate maintenance and lack of accountability. Most solar pumps in Manikganj have become inoperative, forcing farmers to revert to expensive diesel amidst a worsening fuel crisis.

A solar pump installed in 2016 in Singair, which initially served multiple bighas of land, failed after theft and lack of replacement parts. Similar inactivity is noted in Harirampur and Ghior, despite public investment and local management committees.

Reports indicate this trend is widespread across agricultural infrastructure, with many projects failing at the maintenance and monitoring stages. The reliance on diesel, now disrupted by supply shortages, poses risks to crop yields and food security. Strengthening governance and implementing timely restoration efforts are critical for reviving these initiatives and ensuring agricultural stability.