Country Director, Winrock International Nepal Shares Innovative Market-led Business Model for Solar Water Pumps at Knowledge Forum on Inclusive Water Management in Nepal

On March 17, 2023, Mr. Badri Nath Baral, the Country Director of Winrock International Nepal and the Advisory Services Lead for Nepal Renewable Energy Programme (NREP), presented on behalf of the organization at the Knowledge Forum on Accelerating Change in a Federal Nepal through Transformative Actions for Inclusive Water Management, which was held at The Everest Hotel in Kathmandu. This event was a part of Nepal National World Water and Weather Week (NNWWW) (17-23 March), which focuses on celebrating World Water Day (March 22) and World Meteorological Day (March 23) together by organizing water-related policy dialogues, knowledge forums, workshops, advocacy, and awareness in Nepal. Mr. Baral shared NREP’s market-led business model for using solar water pumps in agriculture, focusing on irrigation. The presentation aimed to showcase an innovative approach to inclusive water management in the federal system of Nepal. This knowledge forum enables researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to address emerging questions of inclusive water resources management and development in the context of the federal structure in Nepal through technical presentations and panel discussions.

Mr. Baral’s presentation mainly focused on the practical application of the business model, which is aimed at increasing access to water for smallholder farmers in Nepal. By using solar water pumps, farmers can reduce their reliance on traditional methods of irrigation, such as diesel pumps, and increase the efficiency and sustainability of their agricultural practices. The model also has the potential to create new economic opportunities for farmers and businesses in the renewable energy sector.