Willingness to Adopt Solar-driven Drip Irrigation Systems: An Investigation in Ganj, Chakri

Abstract

Rainwater and underground aquifers are the main sources of irrigation in the Soan River Basin in the Potohar region. Due to climate change, low precipitation rates shrink the underground aquifers and intensify the water and energy demand for irrigation. This study aimed to address water scarcity and energy shortage issues by measuring farmers’ willingness to adopt solar-driven drip irrigation systems (SDDIS) in Union Council Ganj, Chakri, District Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The logit model was used to determine the willingness to uptake SDDIS. A survey tool was used to gather data from 141 randomly sampled farmers. The important factors affecting the adoption decision include age, status of the individual in family, number of land parcels, ownership status of the land, depth of water, agriculture as a primary source of income, the demonstration effect on adoption, knowledge of how to use, and the influence of government subsidies on adoption. The research suggests that the government should extend its project to raise awareness among the population about on-farm water and energy-efficient technologies by developing further demonstration sites for farmers. In addition, the authorities should increase grants to help farmers adopt SDDIS.