Bamboo treadlepumps (1)

What is a bamboo treadle pump? A bamboo treadle pump is a lightweight, portable means of pumping water from shallow depths. The pump itself is usually made of steel and has two barrels and is able to produce an almost continuous flow of water. The pumping mechanism comprises a bamboo framework and is operated by alternately depressing the bamboo treadles with ones feet. What is it used for? The bamboo treadle pump is used to pump water from depths of up to 7-8 metres. It can pump from boreholes and from open bodies of water and is primarily intended for use by poor farmers for the irrigation of higher- value crops such as vegetables. How is it produced? Treadle pumps can be produced by large or small-scale manufacturers with standard metalworking skills. A supply of cold-rolled steel is required, along with a range of miscellaneous parts such as washers, nuts and bolts and split pins. The pumping framework may be installed by trained technicians or by the user themselves. What is its role in development? The bamboo treadle pump affords a supply of irrigation water to poor farmers on marginal lands. They have complete control over their supply of irrigation water and require no additional inputs to operate it. The pump permits all-year-round cropping and the cultivation of a wider range of crops, and hence increases the income generating opportunities and the food security of the farmers. Previous experience has shown that incomes in India and Bangladesh have at least doubled through the use of the pump and income increases have been in the range USD $50 - 500 per annum. Due to the extra attention farmers pay to their pump-irrigated fields, they become more market aware and are able to manage their holdings more effectively. Production, distribution, retailing and installation of pumps also provides employment opportunities to a range of nonagricultural workers. How do I obtain, install and use a bamboo treadle pump? Presently bamboo treadle pumps are only available from IDE in India and Nepal and from private companies in Bangladesh. They are not presently available in other countries. Significant opportunities exist for establishing pump-manufacturing units in other countries to supply the expected demand. Full details of installation are included in part three of this TOTEM. Further details on applicability of the technology can be supplied by IDE who have used treadle pumps for rural development for many years.A bamboo treadle pump is a lightweight, portable means of pumping water from shallow depth