SwitchON Foundation launches SEWA network providing a platform to promote sustainable climate smart technologies and practices in Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. A report on impact of solar based irrigation published at the event highlights the various economic, social and environmental benefits of using solar pumps.
On the occasion of Akshay Urja Divas or National Renewable Energy Day, SwitchON Foundation organised a webinar to launch the Strengthening Energy Water and Agriculture (SEWA) Network, a network of grassroot organisations working in these domains to create an ecosystem for the promotion of solar pump, micro irrigation, ground water recharge and other sustainable agricultural practices in Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. Several senior government officials, foundations, grassroot organisations, NGOs and Farmer Producer Organisations attended the webinar.
70% of India’s population depends on agriculture, who are currently threatened by adverse impacts of climate Change and natural resource depletion causing decline in agriculture incomes.The keynote speaker at the event was Shri S. Suresh Kumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Power, Government of West Bengal. He emphasised on the promotion of solar pumps in agriculture, lowering the dependency on fossil fuel and grid power at the tail-end. “West Bengal has enough coal reserves but in spite of that, we want to make the transition to clean energy” added the Additional Chief Secretary.
Through the SEWA network, the members will collaboratively raise funding to seed projects, provide capacity building training to farmers and other stakeholders on sustainable technologies and practices, disseminate communication materials on schemes and subsidies and demonstrate proof of concepts in diverse agro climatic zones of and subsequently scale-up successful business models.
A report on “Impact of solar pumps on small and marginal farmers” was published at the event. The report shows a 45-65% rise in farmer incomes after replacing conventional pumps with solar pumps. “Replacing a 5HP diesel or electric pump for 1 year is equal to replacing 1 car from the road for one year,” the report states. Various other economic, social and environmental impacts of solar pumps were reported in the publication.
Impact of solar pumps on small and marginal farmers
Speaking at the event, Mr Manu Maudgal, Director of the Clean Power Programme at Shakti Foundation highlighted the importance of Public Private Partnership with government bodies, NGOs and service providers in the promotion of distributed renewable energy. He mentioned 4 major action points like pushing the technology by creating tailor-made solutions, creating business models across the value chain, transparent communication among stakeholders like SEWA members and ensuring technology assurance and modularity. Shri Bijay Kr Sinha from Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency and Shri Kishood Koner from Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency talked about their initiatives for promotion of solar pumps in their respective states.
Ms. Stephanie Jones, Programme Manager of Good Energies Foundation noted that while promoting solar pumps, the groundwater extraction needs to be monitored and replenished before a water crisis arises. Some of the water conservation technologies and practices were discussed by Dr. Pennan Chinnasamy of IIT Bombay.
Talking about just transition from conventional to renewable energy, Ms. Moutushi Sengupta, Director, MacArthur Foundation noted the importance of a streamlined model to achieve the same. Mr Samrat Mukherjee, DGM, NABARD mentioned various initiatives taken by the agency to scale up and replicate sustainable agriculture technologies and practices in the region.
The grassroot organisations and FPOs were enthusiastic to join, build and grow the network on ground. Sarala Karna from FD Foundation, also an active SEWA member shared how the network has helped her to mobilize and raise 3000 applications from women farmers of Santhal Parganas district of Jharkhand. “The network provides a holistic approach towards rural development by bringing together grassroot organisations working with small and marginal farmers to enhance incomes and build a sustainable ecosystem.” said Mr Vinay Jaju, Managing Director, SwitchON Foundation.
We are inviting the grassroots organizations to join the SEWA network to do the following activities:
1. Collaboratively raise funding to seed projects
2. Receive resources for training and communication.
3. Have access to different government schemes and subsidies.
4. Capacity building and knowledge sharing.
JOIN THE SEWA NETWORK
Online Coverages:
Glimpse of SEWA Network Launch
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