Solar Water Pumps for Salt Farmers in India

The 1st Carbon Credit Project Paired with Social Impact Credits

Income & Assets

Education & Knowledge

Project Developer:

Value Network Ventures

Percentage of Change for Women:

CGAP

India

Measured

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The Story: Diesel Dependence and Gendered Risk

In the Rann of Kutch, salt farmers have historically relied on diesel-powered pumps to irrigate salt flats: an expensive, polluting, and unreliable solution. For women farmers in particular, the costs and emissions of diesel systems created compounding vulnerabilities: financial strain, health risks, and limited productivity. These challenges reinforced gender inequities in income, decision-making, and access to energy.

Quick Facts

Goal

Replace diesel pumps with solar-powered systems to cut costs, reduce emissions, and empower women salt farmers through clean energy and financial inclusion.

Location‍

Kutch, India

Areas of Impact‍

Income & Assets, Education & Knowledge

Metrics / Reach

1,290 women salt farmers directly benefit
Annual fuel savings: ~INR 45,000 (USD ~$540) per woman
~115,000 liters of diesel eliminated per season
Significant reductions in CO₂ emissions (monitored for certification)

Standards & Certification

W+ Standard – Income & Assets, Knowledge & Leadership Domains
Verified under clean energy / low-carbon project frameworks (linked to carbon markets)

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What We Did

Introduced clean energy: Replaced costly, polluting diesel pumps with 1,290 solar-powered pumps for women salt farmers in the Little Rann of Kutch.
Reduced financial burden: Enabled repayment through vendor financing, capital subsidies, and low-interest loans aligned with the salt production season.
Trained women: Built women’s technical skills in pump use, repair, and maintenance, while strengthening capacity for financial management.
Expanded market access: Supported women to negotiate better prices and strengthen links to buyers.

Results & Impact: Solar Irrigation With Financial Inclusion

Environmental Impact

1,290 diesel pumps replaced with solar-powered pumps, cutting fossil fuel use and emissions.
Reduction of an estimated 115,000 liters of diesel per season, lowering both costs and pollution.
Improved air quality and reduced carbon footprint in salt production.

Women’s Empowerment (W+ Domains)

Income & Assets: Women salt farmers save nearly INR 45,000 (USD ~$540) annually on fuel, increasing net household income.
Time: Reduced hours spent procuring fuel and maintaining diesel pumps frees women’s time for family and community roles.
Knowledge & Leadership: Women trained in solar technology and financial management, enhancing confidence and decision-making power.

Social Reach

1,290 women farmers directly benefit from solar pump ownership and training.
Improved bargaining power in salt markets through collective negotiation and better price realization.
Growing recognition of women as energy innovators and economic leaders in their communities.