Media Clip: Walking on water

In the Indian state of Orissa up to 80% of the workforce depend upon agriculture for their livelihoods. However, despite abundant groundwater, irrigation remains a problem due to the high, cost of hiring diesel pumps yet without irrigation farmers are limited to risky, rain dependent agriculture.

Recently, the International Development Enterprises, India (IDE-I) has developed a low cost and easy to use alternative to diesel power. The treadle pump called Krishak Bandhu, meaning 'Farmer's Friend', is a simple foot operated water lifting device. Climate Care is helping to fund the expansion of IDE-I operations to get this device to more farmers.

With this help, farmers can now cultivate all year round, creating much needed extra income and the 'Farmers Friend' displaces polluting and expensive diesel pumps and so reducing CO2 emissions.

Thanks to the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy for use of this video.

Back to Cool Carpet® page