The Climate Resilience Research Center (CRRC), in partnership with FutureWater and Practica, is implementing “Smart Sprayer: Efficient Terrace Irrigation in Nepal” in Putalibazar and Bheerkot municipalities of Syangja District. The project aims to address the growing challenge of dry-season water scarcity faced by smallholder farmers, particularly in terrace-based farming systems of the mid-hills.
The CRRC and Practica were welcomed by Mr. Suman Dhakal, Energy Specialist under GIZ’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme (REEEP-GREEN). After a brief introduction, the team presented the Smart Sprayer project and shared videos from field demonstrations, highlighting its potential to improve irrigation efficiency for smallholder farmers.
During the discussion, Mr. Dhakal emphasized that GIZ works closely with AEPC and supports only technologies that are technically verified and approved by AEPC. He recommended seeking formal technical verification for both the Smart Sprayer and the associated solar pump systems. He also shared information about GIZ’s “Innovative Window” support mechanism, which provides up to a 50 percent subsidy for pump technologies. In addition, he mentioned potential partner organizations such as SNV, Practical Action, and the Finnish Embassy-supported RVMRMP that could be relevant for future funding and collaboration.
The team also met with Mr. Kalyan Gauli, Project Manager for GIZ’s GRAPE II and CROSIN projects. Mr. Gauli expressed strong interest in the Smart Sprayer technology and suggested conducting pilot tests in selected areas of Nepal’s far-western region. He highlighted the potential involvement of community centers and local cooperatives and shared his interest in visiting Syangja in the coming months to observe the technology in the field.
Overall, the meeting with GIZ provided valuable guidance on technical validation, funding pathways, and pilot opportunities, and opened promising avenues for collaboration to scale up climate-resilient irrigation technologies in Nepal.
