The Himalayan nation is known to have over 6,000 rivers and 96 per cent of its electricity needs are met through hydroelectric power. But, with climate change, as temperatures rise, glaciers melt and rainfall patterns become erratic, it is important to adopt an energy mix that promotes solar power generation. And this can be achieved alongside Nepal’s hydropower projects.

Agro-photovoltaic projects are being offered as a solution to the growing resistance against solar energy projects that require large tracts of land and often lead to conflicts with the local communities. These projects allow traditional livelihoods, such as grazing, and generation of electricity, to co-exist on the same piece of land.

The Uttar Pradesh government is about to spend Rs 434 crores for the installation of solar-powered pumps to benefit the farmers in the state. The move is expected to reduce the power burden due to the tubewell irrigation in the state.

उत्तर प्रदेश के महोबा ज़िले के किसान अब पारंपरिक डीजल पंपसेटों की जगह सौर ऊर्जा से चलने वाले पंप सेटों की ओर रुख़ कर रहे हैं। ये पंपसेट उनकी फसलों को सींचने, साल में तीन फ़सल उगाने और डीज़ल के हज़ारों रुपये बचाने में मदद कर रहे हैं। एक ग्राउंड रिपोर्ट-

In order to address the rising demand for electricity in the next five years, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the officials to focus on solar energy and reduce the dependence on conventional sources of energy such as thermal and hydro. He has stated that the switch to solar energy will contribute in achieving the objective of developing the state into a ‘trillion dollar economy’ and rural areas will benefit on priority. Details here.

Under the Centre's KUSUM scheme, farmers are provided huge subsidy to adopt off-grid solar-powered agricultural pumps to meet the irrigation needs. But, in drought-hit parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada, about four months a year these solar pumps are of no use as water sources dry up. Experts call for reinventing the scheme