A model of an Indian village: A study of alternative sources of energy for irrigation

This study analyses the feasibility of various sources of energy for irrigation on the northeast Indian plains. In this region there is a large potential for further use of groundwater, and this paper examines the trade-off between the benefits to agriculture of irrigation, and the costs of the energy and equipment required for pumping.A linear programming model has been developed to predict the effects on agricultural production of several conventional and non-conventional technologies. Only small size pumps suitable for use by individual farmers or small cooperatives are considered.The results show diesel-fuelled pumpsets to have the largest net benefits. The general uncompetitiveness of the other technologies is due to the low energy requirements of irrigation in this area.