Stories of Change: Solar Harvest

In the verdant fields of Kaledupa Island, where the rhythm of life is set by the cycles of planting and harvest, a quiet revolution is taking root. Ibu Suhaeni, a resilient farmer whose story embodies the promise of progress and sustainability, is at the heart of this transformation.

For years, Ibu Suhaeni, like many farmers on the island, toiled under the scorching sun, relying on labour-intensive methods to water her crops. The inefficiency of traditional irrigation weighed heavily on her shoulders, limiting productivity and stifling growth. But hope arrived on the horizon with the PV-Agri Pilot Project, a groundbreaking initiative that aimed to harness the power of the sun to irrigate the fields.

Led by the Renewable Energy for Electrification Programme Phase II (REEP2), implemented by GIZ and the Directorate General for New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (DG-NREEC), the PV-Agri system promised to revolutionize farming on Kaledupa Island. Solar panels, gleaming under the tropical sun, captured its energy and transformed it into electricity to power irrigation pumps, liberating farmers from the shackles of manual watering.

Ibu Suhaeni, initially hesitant, witnessed the transformative impact of the PV-Agri installations in neighbouring fields. Inspired by their success, she took a leap of faith and embraced the new technology. With the support of GIZ, she set up her solar irrigation system, watching as her fields flourished under the consistent flow of water.

"This new way of watering isn't just good for the crops; it lifts our whole community," she declares with pride. Indeed, the PV-Agri system's benefits extended far beyond Ibu Suhaeni's farm. By conserving water and improving crop quality, it ushered in a new era of prosperity for the entire community.

But Ibu Suhaeni's story is more than just a tale of agricultural innovation; it's a testament to the power of women in driving positive change. As she tended to her fields, she symbolised resilience and determination, breaking barriers and blazing a trail for others to follow.

"Sun power turned my endless watering chores into a breeze," Ibu Suhaeni, a forward-thinking vegetable farmer from Kaledupa Island, tells us. Her story is a glimpse into how clean energy is making a difference in Indonesia's countryside, turning old ways into new opportunities. 

Her success showcased Indonesia's commitment to cleaner energy and underscored the transformative potential of sustainable practices. In Ibu Suhaeni's farm, amid the rustling of leaves and the gentle hum of solar panels, hope blossomed—a beacon of change guided by the hands of women ready to shape a brighter future.