Empowering agriculture with renewable energy for sustainable irrigation and inclusive policies

dc.title: Empowering agriculture with renewable energy for sustainable irrigation and inclusive policies
dc.contributor.author: Rauniyar, Amrita; Mishra, Anuj; Shrestha, Shisher
dcterms.abstract: The workshop under Science-Policy Dialogue on Solar Irrigation in Nepal brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, civil society, and private sector representatives aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable solar irrigation programs. Organized under the SoLAR project in collaboration with the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), the dialogue served as a platform to share evidence, discuss policy frameworks, and explore pathways to scale solar irrigation initiatives in Nepal.

Discussions centered on three thematic areas, featuring expert presentations and panel exchanges. Key outcomes included identification of gaps in existing policies and practices, the need for stronger inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups, and opportunities to strengthen research and partnerships for scaling. The dialogue underscored the importance of aligning government subsidy mechanisms with long-term sustainability goals, while emphasizing collaborative efforts among stakeholders to accelerate the transition to resilient, climate-smart irrigation solutions in Nepal.