New technology on cassava farms: [1] Solar power planted across the fields

No longer dependent on grid electricity or fuel

Amid prolonged heatwaves, the familiar roar of diesel-powered pumps has faded from cassava fields in Tan Hoi commune, Tay Ninh province. In their place, solar panels quietly absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity to power irrigation for cassava crops.

Tan Hoi is one of Tay Ninh’s key cassava-growing areas, covering more than 3,400 hectares. In recent years, the locality has not only maintained its role as a major raw material zone but has also emerged as a bright spot for applying technical innovations, with solar energy in irrigation systems being a highlight.

In farmers’ memories, the dry season has long been associated with financial pressure. Although cassava is drought-tolerant, high yields still require proactive irrigation. To maintain soil moisture, farmers previously relied on grid electricity or diesel fuel.

During the dry season, each hectare of cassava requires VND 1 - 1.5 million in monthly electricity costs. With irrigation concentrated over four months, total expenses can reach VND 7 - 10 million per hectare. For households cultivating dozens of hectares, irrigation costs become a major burden.

One thing to note is that fuel prices fluctuate constantly. Every rise in diesel prices forces farmers to decide whether to reduce irrigation or accept higher costs. Many chose to bear the increased expenses to maintain crop productivity.

Duong Thanh Phuong, head of the Tan Hoi Agricultural Extension Station, said that during the dry season, when demand for irrigation water and electricity both rise sharply, finding alternative solutions becomes urgent.

Solar power systems are gradually appearing in cassava fields, but initial installations seem complicated. A system using 9-10 solar panels and an inverter costs nearly VND 40 million and can irrigate roughly 5 hectares.

“Although the initial investment was significant, the benefits are very clear. As long as there is sunlight, the system operates, and farmers no longer worry about electricity bills or fluctuating fuel prices. This allows them to become more proactive in production instead of depending on unreliable power sources,” said Phuong.

Technology is slowly “localized”

Following the initial success of applying scientific and technical advances, a new wave of innovation is spreading across cassava fields. Technology is no longer just a temporary solution to drought but is gradually helping farmers shift from passive to proactive production, turning natural challenges into farming advantages.

The most visible change lies in the new generation of solar systems. Previously, high costs and bulky equipment limited adoption. Now, integrated pump technology has significantly simplified installation and operation.

With only two to four solar panels, the systems can operate directly and meet irrigation demands for large cultivation areas, while costs have fallen to approximately VND 12 million per set of equipment. With a payback period of just two to three crop seasons, the model is becoming a practical option for many cassava growers.

According to Bui Cong Ngoc, a farmer with many years of experience cultivating cassava in the locality, reduced cost pressure has made farmers more willing to adopt new technologies. Integrating the inverter directly into the pump not only lowers costs but also makes the equipment more compact and easier to use. As a result, technology has become more accessible and better suited to real farming conditions.

At the same time, irrigation methods are also changing significantly. Farmers are shifting from traditional sprinkler irrigation to drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to plant roots. This method reduces water loss, conserves water resources, and improves efficiency. In the context of increasingly limited water supplies, it is considered a long-term solution.

Field observations show clear positive changes. Soil remains loose rather than compacted, creating better conditions for cassava root development. Yields have improved by around 20%, depending on farming conditions.

As water is concentrated near roots instead of spreading widely, weed growth has declined significantly. The irrigation system also allows fertilizer and pesticide application directly to the root zone. This solution reduces labor costs, minimizes input waste, and improves overall efficiency.

Building confidence for farmers to invest

Solar-powered irrigation models are spreading rapidly in Tan Hoi commune. More than 10 cassava-growing households have already adopted the technology. The transition not only helps stabilize production but also creates a strong ripple effect. Farmers observe successful models, learn from one another, and eventually make the investment themselves. This “seeing is believing” approach is becoming a key driver for the natural technology adoption trend.

For the process to develop faster and more sustainably, the role of government remains important. Local authorities have proactively incorporated solar energy applications into agricultural development orientations linked to extension programs.

According to the 2026 plan, Tan Hoi commune will support the installation of new solar power systems for six households covering 12 ha. Despite its modest scale, the support is considered highly practical in the context of rising production costs.

The program not only reduces initial investment pressure but also strengthens farmers’ confidence to boldly invest and gradually shift toward more modern, efficient, and sustainable production methods.

The issue now extends beyond individual models to the need for improved policies and mechanisms. Nguyen Dinh Xuan, Deputy Director of the Tay Ninh Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the greatest highlight is farmers’ proactive mindset. From mechanization to renewable energy adoption, farmers have demonstrated their ability to access and master technologies once they recognize clear benefits.

“For models such as solar-powered cassava irrigation to expand more rapidly, administrative bottlenecks in support procedures must be addressed. Although support policies already exist, implementation procedures remain complicated, making access to resources difficult. Once administrative barriers are reduced, technology will have greater opportunities to spread widely across agricultural production,” said Nguyen Dinh Xuan, Deputy Director of the Tay Ninh Department of Agriculture and Environment.

$ 1 = VND 26,379 - Source: Vietcombank.