**Muhammad Sultan and Fiaz Ahmad**

Department of Agricultural Engineering, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

**1**

**Chapter 1**

**Abstract**

knowledge of AVIS.

**1. Introduction**

system

Agrovoltaic and Smart Irrigation:

The present study aims to investigate the prospects and challenges that need to be encountered for the adaptation of the novel agrovoltaic irrigation system (AVIS) in Pakistan. The agro-production scenario in Pakistan is periodically declining and leading toward the high delta crops, which develop severe pressure on the conventional energy and water resources. Groundwater might be a viable water source, but its pumping requires massive energy. In addition, excessive pumping declines the water table at a higher pace as compared to the recharge rate hence leading the country toward the exploitation of the valuable reservoir. The AVIS could be an energyefficient and reliable irrigation solution in a manner of harvesting solar energy for driving smart irrigation systems capable to pumps the metered groundwater according to field requirements. Lack of local understanding, skilled/technical personnel, dependence on local technology, and major capital expenditures might impede technological adaption. The government should take necessary measures to replenish the groundwater reservoirs and also execute research projects that strengthen ground

**Keywords:** energy and water scarcity, groundwater exploitation, agrovoltaic, irrigation

Today's world faces several challenges, including population expansion, climate change, dwindling food supplies, energy crisis, and water shortages. The challenges are intertwined in a manner, and their cumulative impact is devastating, particularly for the agriculture sector [1]. According to the latest United Nations (UN) projection, the world's population will exceed 9.6 billion by 2050, implying significant food insecurity in near future [2]. In order to catch the pace of prevailing nutritional demands, agriculture communities ought to be enhanced by at least 1.5 times compared to

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Pakistan Perspective

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