Solar Drip (DLSS) Project

Empowering Small and Marginal Farmers in Banaskantha

SAVE Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with VIKAS Centre for Development, Aravali Janvikas Kendra, Samvedna Trust, and with support from AID, USA, has piloted an innovative Drip Linked Solar System (DLSS) in the tribal belt of Banaskantha district, Gujarat. Designed specifically for small and marginal farmers (1–3 acres), the project promotes a climate-friendly, water-efficient irrigation solution that replaces high-cost diesel and grid-powered pumps with a customized 1 HP solar-driven drip irrigation system.

The DLSS model addresses two critical challenges faced by farmers in semi-arid regions: rapid groundwater depletion and rising energy costs. By linking a solar pump directly to a drip network, the system supplies only the required quantity of water, resulting in 70–86% groundwater savings, reduced energy consumption, and elimination of diesel emissions. This ensures reliable irrigation while conserving natural resources.

During 2022–23, 13 farmers piloted the system on one acre each and successfully cultivated two crops, earning an average additional profit of ₹60,000–70,000 per acre. Encouraged by these results, the project was expanded in February 2024 across tribal villages of Danta and Amirgadh talukas. The system coverage was increased to two acres per farmer from December 2023 to June 2024. Installation was completed between 25 November 2023 and 20 January 2024, and all technical tests were successfully conducted.

Field results (2021–24) show strong impact: extended cropping seasons beyond monsoon, diversification into high-value vegetables, reduction in input costs, and substantial increases in net income. The Solar Drip initiative reflects SAVE’s commitment to sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture that strengthens farmer livelihoods, conserves water, and supports renewable energy adoption, with strong potential for scaling in dryland regions.