The traditional wisdom of farming and cultivation in India is invaluable. It now needs a symbiotic touch of modern technology to foster long-term sustainable results for our farmers. ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and IISWC (Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation) have worked extensively on the Jhola Kundi water storage method. Moreover, they have been instrumental in popularizing the Jhola Kundi based solar-powered irrigation system in the tribal eastern Ghats highland region of India.
The Jhola Kundi based solar-powered irrigation system exemplifies how integrating traditional water storage practices with modern renewable energy technology can support sustainable agriculture in rural areas. Besides, a solar irrigation pump set so small it fits into a bag (Jhola) yet so powerful it irrigates a 2-hectare land area in one go has been changing things for the better here.
Portable solar-based pump sets are making irrigation easier, and tribal and marginal farmers using them have experienced a positive impact on the crop yields for both Rabi and Kharif crops. It is helping such farmers generate income, feed their families, and battle climate threats.
The farmers in the region with land holdings of up to two hectares or five acres cannot afford large-sized solar irrigation pumps that cost up to INR 1 lac. However, the portable pump sets work automatically with negligible installation costs. Stored water is helpful in irrigation during the dryer months of summer and post-monsoon.
Understanding the traditional Jhola Kundi
The Jhola Kundi water storage method is a traditional technique used in arid and semi-arid regions to harvest and store rainwater. It involves creating small, funnel-shaped pits or ponds in fields to collect runoff water during the rainy season.
These pits are lined with plastic or clay to prevent seepage and maximize water retention. The stored water is used for irrigation during dry periods, ensuring a steady water supply for crops. This method helps conserve water, reduce dependence on external water sources, and enhances agricultural productivity.
The Jhola Kundi based solar-powered irrigation system
The farmers can carry these portable solar systems daily to work and store them safely at night. Some also rent it out for added income. The adoption of solar power pump systems has increased farmers’ earnings.
The Jhola Kundi based solar-powered irrigation system is an innovative solution designed to provide efficient and sustainable irrigation for agriculture in rural areas. The key features of this system include:
- Solar-Powered – The system utilizes solar panels to harness sunlight and generate electricity, which powers water pumps. This makes the irrigation process environmentally friendly and cost-effective, reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
- Jhola Kundi Mechanism – ‘Jhola Kundi’ refers to a traditional water storage method in certain parts of India. The system integrates traditional wisdom with modern solar technology to create a reliable water supply for irrigation.
- Decentralized System – The irrigation system is designed to operate at the village or community level, ensuring that small and marginal farmers can access irrigation without needing extensive infrastructure.
- Affordability and Reliability – The primary aim of the Jhola Kundi-based solar-powered irrigation system is to offer an affordable and reliable solution for farmers, helping them maintain their crops even in regions with inconsistent rainfall or limited electricity access.
- Water Management – The system often includes water-saving techniques and efficient irrigation practices, such as drip or sprinkler irrigation, to optimize water usage and enhance agricultural productivity.
The initiatives to popularize solar irrigation pumps
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, the central government has been emphasizing using solar irrigation pumps (SIP) to replace diesel pumps in the agriculture sector. The intention is to create a clean energy-based economy in India without producing planet-warming emissions.
By adopting portable solar pumps, tribal farmers have addressed many issues and reduced their electricity, diesel, and kerosene consumption. Diesel prices are constantly increasing, while kerosene is not always available.
The pump runs at five different speeds, and the water flow can be controlled according to the requirement. The pump switches off when the water level goes below 12 feet. Small-time farmers are abandoning manual systems with the irrigation energy costs estimated to be 30 to 40 percent of production.
There has also been a collaborative initiative under Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI), an associate organization of Tata Trusts, Social Alpha, and SELCO Foundation, to deliver affordable and reliable decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions at the village level. The pump costs INR 52,000, of which farmers pay only INR 26,000 as the Tata Trust pays the remaining amount under the Integrated Livelihood Initiatives.
Despite the popularity, small communities have low awareness of these pumps. Khethworks, which has introduced these pumps, hopes for a better future and to reach ahead. The company is also working on an end-user financing ecosystem for small-time tribal and marginal farmers. This irrigation-based system will genuinely revolutionize the agriculture sector in the Eastern Ghats.
