Dhaka, Bangladesh Tuesday, 19 May 2026: The Annual Workshop on SMART-SIP+: Innovative Approach to Downstream Energy Utilisation from Solar Irrigation Pumps in Bangladesh was held at Lakeshore Grand, Gulshan 2, Dhaka, under the theme “Advancing Sustainable Agriculture through Green Energy and Digital Innovation.” The workshop brought together academics, policymakers, development partners, researchers, and practitioners to discuss how solar energy and digital technologies can support the future of sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh. The programme was organised by the Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University. A key focus of the workshop was how surplus electricity generated from solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) can be used beyond irrigation. Professor Dr. A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University, attended the programme as Chief Guest, while Professor Dr. M. Hammamur Rahman, Director of Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System, attended as Special Chair. Several distinguished guests also attended the event, including Dr. Dia Sanou, Deputy FAO Representative in Bangladesh; Martin Dawson, Development Counsellor and Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission Dhaka; Md Yousof Ali, Additional Secretary, Member Director (Irrigation) of Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation; and Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Mojid, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University. The inaugural session began with a welcome address by Professor Dr. Chayan Kumar Saha, In-Country Lead of the SMART-SIP+ project. Professor Dr. Lynsey Melville, Project Lead from Birmingham City University, UK, delivered the keynote presentation, where she highlighted the project’s vision for better use of solar irrigation energy and innovation-led agricultural development. The day-long workshop included three major sessions: the Inaugural Session, the Technical Session on SMART-SIP+ Hubs and Digital Innovation, and the Business and Policy Session. A Poster Presentation Session was open to audience. During the technical session, updates were presented from SMART-SIP+ intervention areas, including BAU and Bhaluka in Mymensingh, Dinajpur, and Chuadanga. Special emphasis was given to Digital Twin technology and Decision Support Systems, which can help in better planning, monitoring, and management of solar irrigation systems and surplus energy use. The workshop highlighted the importance of combining renewable energy, digital technology, business models, and policy support to build a more sustainable and productive agricultural future for Bangladesh.

Publish Date :  09 Jun, 2026

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