Socioeconomic Challenges Faced by Farmer in Adopting Solar-Powered Irrigation in Hafizabad District

This study investigates the socioeconomic challenges making it hard for farmers to adopt solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) in Hafizabad District, Punjab, Pakistan. Given the increasing energy costs, growing water scarcity, and increasing environmental problems , SPIS presents a promising and sustainable solution for agricultural practices. These systems can help farmers reduce irrigation costs, improve water management, and minimize environmental degradation. However, smallholder farmers face significant barriers such as high initial installation costs, limited access to credit, lack of technical knowledge, insufficient training opportunities, and weak institutional support. The study utilized data collected through structured questionnaires from 102 farmers, applying descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and binary logistic regression analysis to identify the key determinants of SPIS adoption. The findings reveal that farmers experiencing acute water shortages are more likely to adopt SPIS, while high upfront costs, limited financial aid, and low awareness levels serve as major constraints. Moreover, factors such as education, farm size, and participation in farmer associations also significantly influence adoption decisions. The study suggests a combination of targeted policy interventions, including the provision of interest-free loans, targeted subsidies, technical assistance programs, and enhanced extension services to promote the use of SPIS. The research offers practical recommendations for policymakers, financial institutions, and development agencies to encourage widespread adoption of clean energy technologies in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.