Field study pump performance India

Field study pump performance and small scale irrigation practices

IDE USA and Nepal – Center for the Development of Human Initiatives Jalpaiguri, India  |  2008

Within the IDE Micro diesel R&D program, a market study has been conducted in the Gangatic basin in India and Nepal on the irrigation practices of smallholder farmers using small diesel or petrol pumpsets or using treadle pumps. The specific aim of the study was to collect pump use and performance data from the field by measuring output of the pumps as well as fuel efficiency. Also user data on irrigation practices was collected using semi-structured interviews. The information from this study provides a solid base for summarizing the specific requirements a small engine driven pumpset needs to meet to suit the irrigation needs of a smallholder farmer.
The study will feed into the next phases of the micro diesel development within the IDE project.

A 5hp diesel irrigation pumpset

Testing in the field