J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 116-126, June 2007
ISSN 1810-1860
JARD
Journal of Agriculture
& Rural Development
Design and Development of Pedal Pump for Low-Lift Irrigation
M. SERAZUL ISLAM1*, M. ZAKARIA HOSSAIN2 AND M. ABUL KHAIR3
1
School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bangladesh Open University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Japan
3
Department of Irrigation and Water Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh Bangladesh
2
ABSTRACT
A study was undertaken to design and construct a low-lift pedal pump for use in small irrigation
project areas. For this purpose, different types of piston valves and check valves were constructed
and tested at different suction heads in the laboratory to evaluate their performances. After several
trials, Piston valve type-II and check valve type-III were found to be suitable. The average discharges
of the pumps ranged from 93.27 to 53.27 litre per second were noted against heads of 0.60 to 2.0 m
respectively, when piston valve type-II and check valve type-III were used. During pedal pump
operation, less input power was needed and it can be operated by one adult man for a long time
(more than 2 hours) continuously without being tired. Efficiency of the pump was 46.53 percent
against a head of 1.65 m. The pedal pump can be constructed using local materials and skill. It would
be suitable to irrigate small and fragmented land holdings, especially to pump water from a shallow
depth (up to 2 m) to irrigate small plots like vegetables and seed beds with less physical effort.
Key words: Pedal pump, discharge rate, power requirement, efficiency, piston valve and
check valve.
INTRODUCTION
Irrigation plays a vital role as a leading input because the productivity of other inputs such as
improved seed and fertilizers largely depend on the availability of ensured water supply in the
fields....