The installation of a new 132/33 kV power supply grid substation in Roumari upazila or a nearby area could solve the low voltage issues that currently hamper the operation of low-lift pumps (LLPs) used for paddy irrigation. This solution could lead to an increase in paddy production by 6,300 tonnes annually, worth approximately Taka 22 crore. Currently, most irrigation machines in Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas of Kurigram are diesel-powered, resulting in high irrigation costs for farmers.
Current Challenges and Government Initiatives
In an effort to reduce crop production costs, modernize the irrigation system, and make agriculture more sustainable, the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has installed 36 LLPs in the region over the past three years. Additionally, 29 kilometers of 11 kV power supply lines, 1.5 kilometers of uPVC underground pipelines, and prepaid meters have been installed to enhance irrigation management efficiency, provide planned irrigation, and prevent water wastage. Despite these efforts, the LLPs are not operating at full capacity due to continuous voltage drops caused by the long 90-kilometer distance from the Jamalpur grid substation.
Potential Solution and Farmer Impact
Engineer Delwar Hossain, Deputy General Manager at the Roumari Zonal Office of Jamalpur Palli Bidyut Samity, explained that the power supply system in Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas is primarily dependent on the Jamalpur grid. The significant voltage drop over the long distance from the Jamalpur grid substation is negatively impacting the BMDA's LLP irrigation schemes. To address this, authorities are considering setting up another 132/33 kV grid substation in Bakshiganj upazila of Jamalpur, which is 40 kilometers from Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas.
Engineer Md Habibur Rahman Khan, Rangpur Circle Superintending Engineer of BMDA, highlighted that the LLP irrigation schemes have reduced the cost of irrigating one bigha of land from Taka 6,000 to Taka 1,200 to Taka 1,500. This 75 percent reduction in irrigation costs has made crop production more profitable. However, the low voltage issue prevents the LLPs from running at full capacity, limiting the potential benefits for farmers.
Local farmers in Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas have expressed interest in the low-cost, electricity-powered irrigation system using LLPs. Farmer Zahid Hossain noted that the lack of required voltage prevents them from running the LLPs at full capacity, affecting the timely irrigation of Aman paddy fields. Farmer Abdul Matin emphasized that LLPs offer a more profitable alternative to diesel-powered shallow tube wells, urging the government to resolve the low voltage issue to sustain this beneficial irrigation system.
