Expertise: water resources
Expertise Group: Agriculture/Rural Development
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: water resources
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
Since 2017, the State of Maharashtra has been pursuing solarization of the agriculture sector through
Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana (MSKPY) and Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY). The
MSKVY supports decentralized solar projects to provide electricity to the agriculture sector during the
daytime, and the MSKPY supports deploying off-grid solar pumps. The MSKVY complements the Component-C
Feeder Level Solarization (FLS) scheme modality of the PM KUSUM scheme. Considering the immense
benefits of agriculture feeder solarization, the State Government has reframed the scheme, the MSKVY 2.0
project. The main aim of MSKVY2.0 is to provide farmers with a reliable power supply during the daytime
to farmers. Through providing an RBL to support FLS, the ADB is extending support to the solarisation
program.
In the meantime, the Government of Maharashtra wants to ensure that the daytime supply of solar energy
does not negatively impact the State’s groundwater resources or Agricultural Productivity. This will
require stakeholders to be aware of the benefits of solarisation and access to daytime energy.
In addition to the solarisation program, ADB also supports the MAGNET project, which aims to improve
the networks of post-harvest facilities and marketing management for 10 selected horticultural crops
(banana, custard apple, green and red chilies, guava, okra, orange, pomegranate, sapota, strawberry, and
sweet lime). Linking both projects will enhance agricultural profitability in the State by providing
energy for post-harvest processing and value addition, predominantly occurring during the day, and
utilizing groundwater.
Scope of Work
To support MSEDCL in its endeavor as discussed above and to explore synergies between ADB projects.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
- Establish baseline conditions of groundwater resources and an assessment protocol to monitor changes
to groundwater in areas solarisation of feeders is implemented using publicly available resources. - Establish baseline conditions of agricultural productivity and implement an assessment protocol to
monitor changes to agricultural productivity in areas where solarisation of feeders is implemented using
publicly available resources. - Create an awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of solar energy and optimize daytime energy
use for increased profitability. - Identify potential site-specific synergistic activities between the RBL for FLS and MAGNET.
Deliverables:
- Report on baseline conditions of groundwater resources and agriculture productivity in Feeder
commands identified for solarisation. - Report with recommendations to monitor changes to groundwater resources and agricultural productivity.
- An awareness building program to promote benefits of daytime access to energy to harness better
agronomic practices (water management, crop diversification, etc.) - Report on potential for complimentary activities between this RBL and MAGNET.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
This is a senior level position requiring PhD in engineering, water resources or similar areas with
minimum 15 years of general and 12 years of specific experience. Prior working experiences in Water
Energy Food Nexus activities in Maharashtra would be preferred.
Minimum General Experience: 15 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 12 Years
