Investigations into the Poor Energy use Practices of Irrigation Pumps by Indian Farmers: A Case Study

A study to investigate the end use efficiency practices of pumps used by farmers in Maharashtra was conducted in 2018–20. Demand side management of electricity in rural areas is about incentivizing the farmers adopt best practices in ground water use. Studies on end use practices on agricultural pumps are not widely reported. This paper contributes to the literature on demand side management by capturing key pump performance data through testing of the pumps carried at the farms of forty farmers located in Northern Maharashtra and growing high value crops. Through structured interviews during field studies with farmers, pump dealers and power utility engineers, crucial data and insights were obtained. These are reported in the paper. Key finding of the study is rampant use of unbranded pumps and lower end use efficiency. Of the total 40 pumps tested about 75% pumps were found to be of unbranded makes and only 25% pumps were branded. Another novel finding is about the lower efficiency values of unbranded pumps and their underrating both adversely affecting the finances of power utility. The study attributes the poor energy use practices of irrigation pumps to the lack of financial incentive because of the prevalent flat rate tariff system in the surveyed area. Policy intervention through a well-designed finance scheme and metering at the farmers end is suggested to promote use of efficient pumps.