Everything to know about the community-managed solar lift irrigation system (CMSLI)

 Across rural India, farmers—especially in tribal and drought-prone regions—struggle with unreliable rainfall, expensive irrigation, and depleting groundwater. The Community-Managed Solar Lift Irrigation (CMSLI) system offers a solution by combining renewable energy, collective ownership, and efficient water use.

What is CMSLI?

CMSLI uses solar-powered pumps to lift water from surface sources like rivers, ponds, and canals. The water is stored in tanks and distributed through pipelines or drip irrigation systems. Unlike individual solar pumps, these systems are collectively owned and managed by Water User Associations (WUAs), ensuring equitable access for small and marginal farmers.

A typical CMSLI system includes:

  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

  • Electric pumps powered by solar energy

  • Storage tanks and pipelines

  • Community governance for operations and maintenance

Why CMSLI Matters

  1. Climate Resilience: Over 60% of India’s farmland relies on rain. CMSLI provides a reliable irrigation source even during erratic rainfall.

  2. Affordable Energy: It eliminates recurring diesel and electricity costs, reducing farmers’ financial burden.

  3. Equity in Access: Collective ownership ensures water reaches small and marginal farmers, not just large landowners.

  4. Groundwater Conservation: By lifting surface water, CMSLI reduces dependence on unsustainable groundwater extraction.

How the System Works

  1. Site Selection – Identifying suitable surface water sources and irrigation potential.

  2. Community Mobilisation – Farmers form WUAs or cooperatives and receive training.

  3. Installation – Solar panels, pumps, and pipelines are set up.

  4. Operations & Maintenance – Communities manage fees, repairs, and governance.

  5. Monitoring – Regular checks ensure efficiency and track farm income improvements.

Success Stories

  • Jharkhand: With NGO PRADAN’s support, tribal farmers shifted from single-crop farming to vegetable cultivation, doubling incomes.

  • Odisha: The Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) empowered women-led self-help groups to manage CMSLI systems, making governance gender-inclusive.

  • Madhya Pradesh: In Bundelkhand, CMSLI revived fallow fields, reduced distress migration, and boosted productivity.

CMSLI vs. Conventional Irrigation

  • Diesel Pumps: Expensive fuel and pollution make them unsustainable.

  • Electric Pumps: Power supply is unreliable in remote areas.

  • Canal Irrigation: Farmers depend on government schedules, limiting flexibility.

CMSLI, by contrast, is solar-powered, low-maintenance, and community-driven, making it more reliable and equitable.

Technology and Innovation

CMSLI systems are evolving with modern technology:

  • Smart meters and sensors for precise water management

  • IoT and mobile alerts to monitor performance

  • Drip and sprinkler irrigation for water efficiency

  • GIS mapping to identify optimal installation sites

Some models even integrate battery storage for cloudy days, though this increases costs.

Policy and Financing Pathways

For CMSLI to scale nationwide, supportive policies and financing mechanisms are critical:

  • Expand PM-KUSUM to include community solar irrigation, not just individual pumps.

  • Launch state-level CMSLI missions under PMKSY.

  • Provide low-interest loans and grants via NABARD, cooperative banks, and CSR funds.

  • Build capacity through NGOs, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

  • Establish frameworks for operation & maintenance contracts and public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Conclusion

The Community-Managed Solar Lift Irrigation system is more than just a technology—it’s a community-led model that empowers farmers, conserves resources, and builds resilience against climate change. By decentralising irrigation and making water access equitable, CMSLI strengthens rural livelihoods and paves the way for sustainable agriculture.

With the right policy support and financial backing, CMSLI can move from promising pilot projects to a nationwide solution, shaping the future of farming in India.

Read more @ https://www.psbloansin59minutes.com/knowledge-hub/community-managed-solar-lift-irrigation-system

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