Solar Energy Pumps Help 250 Acres of Rice Fields in Majalengka Avoid Drought

The Ministry of PU operates solar-powered water pumps to maintain agricultural productivity in the midst of the threat of a long dry season and the El Nino phenomenon. (Photo: Ministry of PU)

Around 250 hectares of rice fields in Leuweunghapit Village, Ligung District, Majalengka Regency, West Java, have again received irrigation water supplies after the Ministry of Public Works (PU) operated a solar-powered water pump.

The technology is used to maintain agricultural productivity in the midst of the threat of a long dry season and the El Nino phenomenon.

The pump has been operating since July 29, 2026 as part of the Ministry of PU's strategy to ensure the availability of irrigation water to support the food self-sufficiency program.

The utilization of solar energy is also an alternative to reduce the operational costs of pumps compared to the use of fuel oil (BBM).

Minister PU Dody Hanggodo said irrigation has a role in ensuring water availability for farmers, including when the dry season hits.

"The presence of this infrastructure is very important to support the availability of agricultural irrigation water, maintain land productivity and ensure that food supplies are maintained even in the face of drought or climate change challenges," said Dody, quoted from a written statement, Monday, August 3.

The operation of the pump was carried out after the Majalengka Regency Government (Pemkab) applied for assistance to the Ministry of PU through the Cimanuk Cisanggarung River Basin Agency (BBWS) following the widespread impact of drought on agricultural land in the region.

The pumping system used has a capacity of 150 liters per minute to 400 liters per minute.

The pump is installed at a point that still has water availability, then flows it to the irrigation network which is no longer able to function gravitationally due to the falling water level during the dry season.

Additional water supply from the system is used to irrigate about 250 hectares of rice fields.

The increase in water discharge in the irrigation network makes the rice fields that had previously started to experience drought again obtain water supply.

So that the plant needs in the growth phase are still met and the risk of crop failure can be suppressed.

In addition to helping maintain the sustainability of the planting season, the use of solar-powered pumps is also considered more efficient.

The high intensity of solar irradiation during the dry season is used as an energy source to drive the pump, so that its operation does not depend entirely on fuel.

This technology is expected to be one of the solutions for dealing with drought emergencies as well as supporting more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly irrigation management.

Meanwhile, Majalengka Regent Eman Suherman appreciated the quick response of BBWS Cimanuk Cisanggarung in dealing with drought which began to threaten agricultural land in Leuweunghapit Village.

"I ask BBWS to prepare a short-term solution while thinking about long-term handling. We came to the location to ensure that immediate handling is carried out. I appreciate the quick response from BBWS," said Eman.

The Ministry of PU hopes that the use of solar-powered pumps will not only be a temporary solution during the dry season, but can also become a model for more efficient, sustainable irrigation management and support national food security amid increasing challenges of climate change.