Barind Authority plans solar power for 17,000 irrigation pumps

The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has taken an initiative to install solar power in about 17,000 irrigation pumps to modernize the irrigation system in the Barind region and reduce energy costs.

In addition, there are plans to supply the surplus electricity generated to the national grid, introduce a cashless system for online payment of irrigation fees, and operate the irrigation pumps centrally through smart technology.

To assess the feasibility of implementing these initiatives, a view exchange meeting was held on Saturday in the conference room of BMDA's Rajshahi headquarters with representatives of various domestic and foreign organizations, including a Chinese technology firm.

At the meeting, representatives of the concerned organizations highlighted various aspects of supplying solar power to the national grid through net metering technology, payment of irrigation fees via mobile phone, and central monitoring of irrigation pump operations.

The chief guest at the event was BMDA Executive Director Jahangir Alam Khan.

Representatives of China's Wilfar Information Technology Company Limited - Zhang Zhenhua and William Lu, and representatives of the Chief Executive Officer of Zhejiang Qibin Technology Company Limited, Lu Chunhong, were present.

They discussed the effectiveness of net metering and smart irrigation technology, implementation plans, maintenance costs and potential economic benefits.

In addition, Engineer Shahid Ullah, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sanakosh Associates Limited, Director (Business) Abdullah Al Nafeez and General Manager Turzaul Haque were present at the meeting.

At the meeting, BMDA Executive Director Jahangir Alam Khan said that the highest importance must be given to the interests of farmers in the development of agriculture and irrigation systems in the Barind region.

When adopting new technology, it must be considered how much farmers will benefit, whether irrigation costs will be reduced, and whether irrigation services will be easily available when needed.

It is not BMDA's objective to implement any technology without ensuring the welfare of farmers.

The meeting held detailed discussions on electricity generation through installation of solar panels in the irrigation pumps under BMDA, supply of surplus electricity to the national grid and facilitation of irrigation services for farmers.

Some other key-issues, particularly monitoring of irrigation pump operations, electricity usage, recharge and financial transactions from the headquarters through smart irrigation technology were also discussed elaborately.

The meeting was attended by BMDA's Superintending Engineers Shibir Ahmed, Zinnurain Khan, Nazirul Islam and Abdul Latif; Executive Engineers Harun-or-Rashid, Tofazzal Ali Sarkar, Delowar Hossain, Atiqur Rahman and Motiur Rahman, along with other senior officials.