Opinion – Incorporating renewable energy into agriculture

Opinion – Incorporating renewable energy into agriculture

Agriculture has long shown its ability to feed, clothe and provide raw materials for constructing settlements and other industrial developments worldwide.  As farmers try to remain resilient and profitable in their operations, it becomes vital for farmers to incorporate renewable energy sources in agriculture to lower farmers’ production costs, and curb the effects of climate change. 

Renewable energy is any form of energy that is derived from a natural source that can be replenished at a higher rate than it is consumed. 

In the case of Namibia, solar and wind energy are sources constantly being replenished, and can be of significance if they are utilised effectively and efficiently in the agricultural space. With Namibia being a semi-arid country, solar energy is the most abundant source of renewable energy that can be incorporated into agricultural operations. 

Many farmers find it costly to operate advanced irrigation systems, such as Centre Pivot Systems, with monthly electricity bills ranging from N$15 000 to N$32 000. By switching from grid power to solar energy, farmers could significantly reduce their expenses. 

The initial cost of purchasing and installation of a solar-operated centre pivot system is the main cost that a farmer will incur. Annual maintenance fees can be incurred yearly, therefore significantly reducing production costs. 

Many solar panels have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years. This becomes a massive saving for the farming business, and it allows farmers to invest capital in other enterprises or infrastructure on the farm. Solar energy can also be utilised to produce crops all-year-round as solar-powered pumps can be installed to extract underground water, which can be stored in portable water tanks.  This stored water can be utilised for irrigating crops, using water-conserving technologies such as drip irrigation systems, and this will help farmers meet water requirements for crops, even when it is dry. 

Solar energy can also be utilised to pump water from catchment areas such as water pans (Oshanas as they are locally known) and directed to nearby crop fields, which are currently experiencing dry spells during the current rainy season. 

Additionally, solar energy can be utilised in the agriculture sector to set up cold storage facilities at strategic production sites to address post-harvesting losses due to the limited availability of on-farm cold storage facilities. 

Renewable energy is an untapped option that can help sunny and windy countries such as Namibia to have a productive agricultural sector, as it has the potential to unlock massive production opportunities and create much-needed employment opportunities. 

Over time, adopting renewable energy can also lower production costs in farming, and ultimately increase the profitability of many agricultural businesses. Think farming, think renewable energy, and think long-term for a sustainable agricultural sector.

*Hanks Saisai is Agribank’s technical advisor on crops and poultry.