Daily Mains Practice Answer 25-08-2026

Q. “Solar irrigation can become a solution to India’s energy crisis while simultaneously becoming a threat to groundwater sustainability.” Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction:

Describe solar irrigation in India – mention some schemes – PM-KUSUM.

Main Body

How does it address India’s energy crisis?

• Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
• Reduces pressure on DISCOMs – Solarisation can reduce the subsidy burden.
• Decarbonises groundwater irrigation – Groundwater irrigation is estimated to generate 45–62 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
• Improves energy access and farm resilience, especially in regions with unreliable electricity and high diesel costs.
• Converts farmers into energy producers

Why is it a threat to groundwater sustainability?

Fundamental paradox – Free sunlight → near-zero pumping cost → incentive for excessive pumping → groundwater depletion.

• No marginal cost for extraction, encouraging farmers to pump more water.
• Expansion of irrigated area
• May shift towards water-intensive crops
• Individual farmers benefit from pumping more water, while the cost of aquifer depletion is collectively borne.
• Existing groundwater stress regions – increased pumping can lower the water table

Conclusion:

Give a way forward based conclusion.

Solar irrigation should therefore not be viewed merely as an energy-transition programme, but as a water–energy–agriculture nexus intervention.