The policy note examines the growing need for energy efficient water pumping for agriculture in Karnataka (India's second most water-stricken state).
Rainfall inconsistencies and limited tracking of existing water systems have contributed to excess water withdrawals, further leading to greater energy use between 2006-13. CSTEP's analysis presents three possible outcomes in line with irrigation power consumption over the next few years: first a business as usual case that sees a surge in energy demand, second a varying demand in sync with fluctuating water levels; and third an aggressive instance with extreme withdrawals, eventually flattening out with negligible water levels by 2030.
Each of these possible scenarios discussed imply a greater need for energy but through the intervention of more energy efficient pumps (whether electric or solar) or alternate technologies, this demand can be potentially reduced by 30%. Complementing this, a more robust financial oversight, coupled with routine monitoring, can fine-tune the proposed measures for Karnataka's agriculture-water-energy nexus.
![Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Irrigation Pumping in Karnataka - Challenges and Prospects](/drupal/sites/default/files/2018-12/CSTEP_PB_Low%20Carbon%20and%20Climate-Resilient%20Irrigation%20Pumping%20in%20Karnataka_Aug2016.jpg)
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