Solar-powered irrigation system launched in Muş, Turkey

A new solar-powered sprinkler irrigation system has been implemented in the Kızılağaç district of Muş, Turkey, aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependency and lowering operational costs for local farmers. The project was funded through the Rural Development Investment Support Program (KKYDP) managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The total cost of the installation was 700,000 TL, with a 60% grant of approximately 420,000 TL provided by the ministry. The system combines solar panels with pumping and sprinkler infrastructure to promote modern agricultural practices and efficient water usage.

Local producer Medeni Tanış reported that the system has effectively eliminated previous fuel expenses, which previously exceeded 300,000 TL annually for irrigating 37 decares of land. Necattin Gönç, the Muş Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, noted that 354 individual irrigation projects have been completed in the province over the last four years, totaling 55 million TL in costs with approximately 27 million TL in grants provided.