Considering energy costs in irrigated agriculture
Irrigation in agriculture is critical for global food security, particularly in areas with insufficient or unreliable rainfall. Effective irrigation in commercial agriculture depends heavily on the ability to pump large amounts of water, which requires a reliable energy supply. As a result, energy costs are an important consideration in farmers’ irrigation decisions and broader sustainable water policy discussions.
Increasingly, variable precipitation and more severe droughts have incentivized farmers — even in traditionally rainfed agricultural regions — to invest in energy-dependent irrigation solutions. Irrigation technology systems, by pumping and distributing large quantities of water, help ensure that crop water demands are sufficiently met during a growing season. However, more water extraction, especially in water-stressed regions or areas lacking strong water governance, can contribute to groundwater level declines and require more energy to pump the same amount of water. This creates a costly cycle where water scarcity drives up energy demand, which in turn raises irrigation costs and threatens farm profitability and water conservation efforts. Addressing these interrelated challenges requires innovative and sustainable water management strategies that balance agricultural productivity with long-term resource sustainability.
Changing farming operations in response to rising energy costs is difficult, especially in the short term. For instance, only a few farmers are willing to risk lower yields by reducing irrigation intensity in the middle of a growing season due to sudden increases in energy prices. Farmers have limited options to mitigate rising energy costs directly, making the focus on long-term solutions an important approach. Focusing on advancing sustainable water use management and reducing reliance on groundwater extraction can help lower overall energy consumption and enhance economic and environmental resilience. However, the widespread adoption of sustainable water management practices relies on clear evidence showing that such a strategy can lead to maintained or improved profitability.
Farmers Participating in LEMAs have been able to keep or even advance their profitability while reducing water and energy consumption.
One promising example of advanced aquifer sustainability is Kansas’ Local Enhanced Management Areas. These farmer-initiated regulatory programs encourage sustainable water use in stressed portions of the High Plains Aquifer by setting limits on groundwater withdrawals. This approach conserves water resources and reduces the energy needed for pumping, ultimately lowering input costs. Farmers participating in LEMAs have been able to keep or even advance their profitability while reducing water and energy consumption.
Beyond LEMAs, there are other successful collaborative initiatives, such as TAPS (Testing Ag Performance Solutions) and Master Irrigator, which have been gaining traction. These initiatives provide risk-free environments where farmers can experiment with more efficient irrigation techniques, learn from peers and explore water-saving technologies without jeopardizing their profits. By promoting collaboration and hands-on learning, these programs help bridge the gap between policy recommendations and their real-world adoption.
Scaling successful initiatives and implementing new local, context-specific sustainability strategies will continue to be essential to ensure the long-term viability of irrigated agriculture. Broader adoption requires strong regulatory support, financial incentives and demonstrated pathways toward economic returns. With the right combination of innovation, policy and investment, the agricultural sector can help enhance water stewardship practices while ensuring food security for future generations.
Renata Rimšaitė, PhD, is a senior program manager for the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska. Views or opinions expressed in this column do not represent her employer.
