This archive report was first published on 2 November 2019.
Published on November 2, 2019, by ANN MACHARIA
As an agronomist, I've seen firsthand the challenges farmers face when it comes to irrigation. A reliable and affordable water supply is crucial for profitable farming, and water plays a vital role in determining whether one harvests losses or profits.
However, the cost of pumping water can be a significant burden, especially with fluctuating electricity and petrol or diesel prices. But there are cheaper options available, including solar and windmills.
One such option is solar pumps, which use photovoltaic technology to convert sunlight into electricity for pumping water. These systems are economical because they can pump water directly into tanks using gravity, eliminating the need for expensive electricity or petrol.
For instance, a 120-watt solar panel, inclusive of the water pump, costs Sh45,000 and can pump 10,000 litres of water at five metres depth and 3,500 litres at 10 metres depth, adequate for irrigating half an acre.
Another innovative solution is using motorbikes to pump water for irrigation or spray chemicals, making work much easier. This machine pumps about 40,000 litres of water using a litre of petrol, sufficient to irrigate two acres depending on the crop and soil conditions.
Lastly, smallholder farmers can also use manual flexi water pumps, which are hand or leg-driven and pump 1,600 litres per hour.
