This was an experimental project, which explored how eco-friendly innovative technologies using solar energy could be used for drought mitigation activities like pumping water from farm ponds for protective irrigation and for hydroponic fodder production. The project ended in December 2020.
Achievements till end-December 2020
- Mobile solar water pumps suitable to the local terrain and drawn by motorcycle or bullocks were designed and developed. Ten such mobile solar water pumps (SWPs) along with drip/ micro protective irrigation equipment were provided to ten farmer groups of four members each (benefitting 40 farmers, covering 100 acres) in Thammaiahdoddi and Khairevu villages. These pumps are being used to provide protective irrigation for rainfed crops during drought/ dry spells.
- Two farmers increased their cropping area from 3 to 6 acres and doubled their crop yields by providing timely irrigation through two fixed solar pumps installed to draw water from borewells.
- In the normal course, the landless cannot opt for dairying, as green fodder is essential for dairy. Hydroponic technology was introduced to 40 dairy farmers for producing green fodder at home with solar powered hydroponics fodder production equipment. This was particularly useful to landless dairy farmers, since it did not require irrigated land for fodder production. It resulted in augmentation of dairy income by Rs. 2,000/- per month and saved labour and drudgery, particularly for women
Case Study:
Hydroponic fodder unit made a big difference!
C. Parvathamma and her husband, Adinarayana, live in Kothapalli village of Gandlaparthi cluster, Rapthadu mandal. They are landless farm labourers. They have two cows, which yield six litres of milk a day. As they are landless, they have to forage for fodder or purchase it. In the monsoon, they gather green fodder from fallow lands. At other times, they buy fodder from other farmers in the village. It is expensive and time consuming. Their income depends on milk yield, which depends on good quality fodder, and this is uncertain.
“We always wanted to improve our income through improved milk production. But the cost of fodder was not within our reach,” says Parvathamma. With the adoption of hydroponics technology that enables landless farmers grow green grass at home using solar energy, Parvathamma produces sorghum and maize grass. She operates the solar-powered hydroponics unit as per the simple instructions given. She is able to grow nutritious green fodder at home and feed her animals.
“Now I am able to feed my cow 10 kg of green grass every evening after milking. The milk yield is now 10 litres each, versus six, earlier. Fat content improved from 3.5% to 4.5%. I get Rs. 28/- per litre as compared to Rs. 20/- earlier. I have saved on cost of green fodder. I make Rs. 2000/- more, per month. The hydroponic unit also saves time and labour; I do not need to go out to get grass from field bunds,” said Parvathamma.