Bamboo treadlepumps (1)

What is a bamboo treadle pump?A bamboo treadle pump is a lightweight, portable means of pumping water from shallowdepths. The pump itself is usually made of steel and has two barrels and is able toproduce an almost continuous flow of water. The pumping mechanism comprises abamboo framework and is operated by alternately depressing the bamboo treadles withones feet.What is it used for?The bamboo treadle pump is used to pump water from depths of up to 7-8 metres. It canpump from boreholes and from open bodies of water and is primarily intended for use bypoor 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 standardmetalworking skills. A supply of cold-rolled steel is required, along with a range ofmiscellaneous parts such as washers, nuts and bolts and split pins. The pumpingframework 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 onmarginal lands. They have complete control over their supply of irrigation water andrequire no additional inputs to operate it. The pump permits all-year-round cropping andthe cultivation of a wider range of crops, and hence increases the income generatingopportunities and the food security of the farmers. Previous experience has shown thatincomes in India and Bangladesh have at least doubled through the use of the pump andincome increases have been in the range USD $50 - 500 per annum. Due to the extraattention farmers pay to their pump-irrigated fields, they become more market aware andare able to manage their holdings more effectively. Production, distribution, retailing andinstallation of pumps also provides employment opportunities to a range of nonagriculturalworkers.How do I obtain, install and use a bamboo treadle pump?Presently bamboo treadle pumps are only available from IDE in India and Nepal andfrom private companies in Bangladesh. They are not presently available in othercountries. Significant opportunities exist for establishing pump-manufacturing units inother countries to supply the expected demand. Full details of installation are included inpart three of this TOTEM. Further details on applicability of the technology can besupplied 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 depths