Solar Water Pump in Samosir Targeted to Triple Rice Production

SAMOSIR, GARISBUMI.com – The Solar Water Pump (PATS) in Sibonor Ompu Ratus Village, Nainggolan District, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra, is projected to increase rice production from around 50 tons to 150 tons per year. This renewable energy-based irrigation facility will support the water needs of 82 hectares of rainfed rice fields cultivated by 749 farmers.

The PATS was inaugurated on Saturday (3/10/2026) through the collaboration of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, the North Sumatra Provincial Government, the Samosir Regency Government, and the British Government through the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development or UK FCDO.

Apart from helping to meet agricultural water needs, PATS replaces the use of Pertalite-fueled pumps. This replacement is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10.18 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per year.

Deputy for Food, Natural Resources and Environment Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Leonardo A.A. Teguh Sambodo said that the use of clean energy needs to provide direct benefits to society.

"Low carbon development becomes real when the benefits reach the site level and are felt directly by the community. PATS in Samosir shows how clean energy can be used to strengthen food production, reduce farming costs, while supporting emission reduction," he said.

According to Leonardo, the experience in Samosir can be a lesson for developing similar facilities in other areas.

"Lessons learned from Samosir are important to ensure that development innovation does not stop at pilots, but can be developed and replicated in other areas," he said.