Kanmalay solar-powered pumping for irrigation project to cover 300 acres of summer crops in Magway Region

A new solar-powered pumping system project, which started in the 2020-2021 financial year, will irrigate summer crops in Kanmalay Village, Aunglan Township, Magway Region, according to the Magway Region Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department.
“This new solar pumping project will provide irrigation to 300 acres nearby during the upcoming summer growing season. It will initially run on a trial basis with 100 acres starting from the last week of January,” said U Myint Oo, deputy director of the department.
The component of the solar-powered pumping system is three 75kW submersible pumps with retaining and irrigating networks.
The project includes a two-mile long irrigation network, 99 canals and a 170kW solar system. It is slated to end in the 2022-2023 financial year. Upon completion of the project, growers nearby the project area will get access to adequate irrigation supply in all-around seasons (summer, monsoon and winter). As a result of this, the productivity, yield rate and socio-economy life of the local community will be enhanced.
“This solar pumping project can save 40 per cent of electricity supply so it contributes to sustainable development,” U Myint Oo elaborated.
In a bid to reduce the electricity cost in irrigation, solar-powered irrigation activities are being implemented in Magway Region. This renewable resource is aimed for sustainable energy. Solar panels have been installed in Minbu Township, while the Myinkun solar pumping irrigation project is a part of regional budget planning in the 2022-2023FY. More solar pumping irrigation projects will be carried out in the region.
The department is lessening concerns of growers engaged in 39,376 acres in this tropical region, with 30 solar pumping projects for irrigation. During the 2021-2022 summer growing season, it has projected to provide water across 16,680 acres. — Aung Min Han (MNA)/GNLM