This essay focuses on the adoption of cost-effective demand-side measures for electric energy utilisation in agricultural irrigation to increase both energy efficiency for climate change mitigation and water security for adaptation to climate change in India. Due to the multilayered, rural-urban connections of labour migration, food provision, and energy and water demand, the analysed measures will help to enable conditions for urban economic growth as well as sustainable transitions in resource use.

The analysed measures: low-cost technologies to improve electric infrastructure utilisation and standardised motors for pumping, have been previously considered in several policies and implementation strategies in various states in India during the past decade. However, the social dimensions of learning and interdependence in technology adoption have so far been neglected; though have played a significant role in impeding successful implementation. This study reveals learning and governance mechanisms that can facilitate technology adoption that can be transferred to other technologies and environments.