Unpacking stakeholder perceptions on challenges for increasing adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems in India: A Q methodology study

Abstract

Abstract Solar-powered irrigation systems (SPISs) are instruments for sustainable energy transition in agriculture. Despite the government of India's efforts, the adoption of SPIS has remained low. This paper uses the Q method to examine shared stakeholder views on the challenges of increasing SPIS adoption. The aim is to understand barriers to and drivers for SPIS adoption, and the necessary institutional setting to scale up adoption. To capture the discourse on challenges to SPIS adoption, a Q sample of 20 statements was extracted after stakeholder interviews and expert ratings. The statements were Q sorted by 22 respondents across SPIS stakeholder groups. Factor analysis identifies two distinct perspectives on constraints to expanding SPIS: (1) economic and financial barriers; and (2) institutional and governance challenges. This calls for re-framing SPIS from the incentive side of things and convergence across concerned implementing agencies.