Application of solar-powered borewell technology to address agricultural water scarcity among maize farmers in bontolangkasa selatan village, gowa regency

Rahmansah Rahmansah; Bakhrani Rauf; Syafiuddin Parenrengi; Herman Herman; Isymiarni Syarif

doi:10.61099/jpmei.v3i3.558

Authors

Rahmansah Rahmansah Universitas Negeri Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3853-0782
Bakhrani Rauf Universitas Negeri Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8123-2724
Syafiuddin Parenrengi Universitas Negeri Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5378-6371
Herman Herman Universitas Islam Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Isymiarni Syarif Universitas Islam Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3946-4297

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61099/jpmei.v3i3.558

Keywords:

Borewell, Community empowerment, Irrigation, Maize, Renewable energy, Solar-powered water pump

Abstract

Limited water availability is one of the main constraints on maize cultivation in rain-dependent agricultural areas. The 2026 Village Empowerment Program (Program Pemberdayaan Desa Binaan/PDB) in Bontolangkasa Selatan Village, Bontonompo District, Gowa Regency, implemented borewell technology and a solar-powered water pumping system for the Jiwa Baru Borong Kanang Farmer Group. The program aimed to improve access to agricultural water while strengthening the capacity of community partners to operate and maintain the technology. The implementation methods included socialization, training, technology application, mentoring and evaluation, as well as activities to strengthen program sustainability. The technology was implemented through a participatory approach involving site selection, installation, functional testing, operation, and maintenance assistance. Progress-stage results showed that the borewell system, solar panels, water pump, and distribution network had been installed and were functioning properly, enabling water to be pumped and distributed to agricultural areas. Farmer group members have begun to participate in system operation, network inspection, water distribution management, and basic maintenance. Quantitative impacts, including water discharge, irrigated land area, operating duration, and changes in productivity, have not yet been reported as final outcomes because measurements are still ongoing. The implementation indicates that integrating groundwater resources with solar energy represents a relevant initial solution for maize farming facing water scarcity. However, long-term sustainability requires stronger operator capacity, effective farmer-group governance, routine maintenance, and periodic performance evaluation.

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