A total of 53 solar-powered water-pumping projects were implemented nationwide to support irrigation between the 2020-2021 and 2025-2026 financial years, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.
Of the total, 12 projects involved stand-alone solar pumping systems, while 41 featured hybrid solar installations, bringing the combined number of completed projects to 53. The ministry stated that these initiatives were aimed at improving water availability for agricultural purposes across the country.
An official from the ministry said that the projects accounted for a total installed solar capacity of 10,643.87 kilowatts. The expansion of solar technology in irrigation infrastructure has contributed to enhanced efficiency and reduced reliance on conventional energy sources.
Similarly, the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department has overseen the construction of nine reservoirs, 49 saltwater-intrusion prevention embankments, 171 water-control gates and 23 electric river-pumping stations in Yangon Region. Owing to geographical and past technological limitations, southern districts previously benefited less from irrigation water delivery to farmlands compared with northern districts.
To address this imbalance, the department has accelerated the adoption of solar energy to operate large water pumps at river-pumping stations. Authorities have also conducted demonstrations of small-scale portable solar pumping systems that farmers can use independently in reservoir-irrigated, river-pumped and summer paddy cultivation areas.
During the 2025-2026 summer paddy season, officials distributed 100 sets of two-panel portable solar pumping units and 30 sets of 14-panel low-lift solar pumping units to farmers, enabling timely and effective agricultural use.
The ministry emphasized that water availability remains a primary requirement for domestic agriculture and livestock activities. The department will continue to implement solar-powered pumping projects in each financial year to ensure a sufficient irrigation supply for seasonal crop cultivation. — ASH/KZL
