Mobil Lift Irrigation Scheme

Interventions: 

The Mobile L.I.S. consists of a 3 H.P. BLDC Pumpset powered by Polycrystalline Solar Panels mounted on the same platform of 4m x 3m size. Each polycrystalline solar panel module has 335 Wp. We can also use a Mono Crystalline solar module of 530 Wp each which will allow us to install a 5 HP pump set on the same size of the floating platform.

Barge Design Specification :
Size of Platform: 4m x 3m
Load capacity of Barrel Barge: 3800 kg
Number of Barrels: 20 Nos.
Material Used: MS Sheet of 5mm size, MS Angle of Assorted Size, GI Pipe, MS Flat, etc.

Panel and Pump Specification:
Solar Panel Capacity: 3000 Wp (09 nos. of Photovoltaic Cells-PVC)
Pump: 3 HP DC surface Pump (Head 18 Meter)
Discharge: 700 LPM
Delivery: 3 Inch
Command Area: 6-8 hac (From a single suction point)
Canvas Pipe: 200 Meter
RMS: Yes (With CCTV camera)
Mobility: Yes

Place of implementation: 
Boko, Kamrup (R), Assam
Organisation / Department: 
Irrigation Department, State Govt. Of Assam
Year of implementation: 
2023
Background: 

Solar Powered Mobile L.I.S. is a Lift Irrigation Scheme where the Pump Station can easily be moved from one position to another in need of covering the optimum command area. The pump is mounted on a platform floating using Recycled UPVC Barrels and the solar panels are also mounted on the same platform. It is cost-effective and light in weight. Using of self-priming BLDC surface pump allows it a maximum running hour in a day even on cloudy days. The introduction of IoT based Remote Monitoring System allows real-time monitoring of running hours, discharge, voltage, current, etc. It floats quite easily and it mitigates the possibility of any damage to the pump station during the flood.
Mobile L.I.S. offers advantages in terms of adaptability and water efficiency. These systems can be easily transported to different locations within the same water source. This flexibility allows farmers to respond to changing irrigation needs or varying water availability in different parts of their fields. By utilizing this approach, farmers can optimize water usage, ensuring that crops receive adequate irrigation while minimizing water wastage. The ability to move the irrigation system also makes it suitable for areas with uneven topography or where fixed infrastructure may be challenging to implement. Additionally, Mobile L.I.S. can be particularly beneficial for smallholder farmers or those with limited access to permanent irrigation facilities. It provides a cost-effective solution that doesn't require extensive investment in fixed infrastructure. Overall, mobile lift irrigation schemes offer a dynamic and resource-efficient approach to agricultural water management, contributing to sustainable farming practices.

With a vision to provide Irrigation facilities to the farmers of remote areas, Er. Akikul Aman, Assistant Executive Engineer, Irrigation (Assam) has successfully introduced a Mobile Lift Irrigation Scheme at Barbeel Lake situated in Boko under the Kamrup (M) district of Assam. The basic aim of the scheme is to supply irrigation water in larger areas with limited sources at a lower cost of construction using solar power. As the greater Boko area is full of natural water bodies, the idea of installing a Mobile scheme has been thought of so that more areas can be commanded by shifting the pump station from one location to another. On 12th August’2023, the scheme was successfully inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Engineer (I), Chief Engineer (MI) and other dignitaries of first of its kind in the Irrigation Department, Assam. It's a solar-powered pumping station that can be easily moved from one location to another, thanks to its floating barge, which is made out of recycled UPVC barrels. In addition, a new Remote Monitoring System is included, allowing for constant surveillance of the setup. It requires no human labor and can be managed from afar, making it suitable for use in even the most austere environments. The scheme is proven to be very environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective and its mobile application leads to a maximum coverage of the command area. The scheme's data can be linked directly to the IPMS portal of the Irrigation Department, Assam providing a transparent, clear image of delivery of service.

Objectives: 

To Reduce pumping cost per Ha and optimum utilization of surface water source at minimum cost.

Outcome: 

With a vision to provide Irrigation facilities to the farmers of flood-prone remote areas, where electricity facilities are not adequately available, the Mobile L.I.S. system is introduced. As it uses solar power to operate, it reduces the operational cost and also provides the liberty to shoot up its capacity to the required level. As the complete setup is flexible and modular we can easily increase its size in no time. Its mobile application allows it to pump out water from different suction points. Considering at least 3 to 4 suction points by a single pump station, the total command area will certainly be a huge one. Adding a distribution line will allow us to irrigate the optimum command area.

Total Cost of the Scheme = Rs. 8,46,700.00

BCR @6% Interest =5.59
BCR @10% Interest =4.53
BCR @15% Interest =3.67
Net Present Value = 3,38,15,627.00 (15 Years)

From this, it is learned that it is very much cost-effective, with no Land Acquisition issues and we can multiply the units as per our requirement. Mobile lift irrigation schemes have proven effective on a smaller scale, there is potential for scaling up these initiatives to cover larger agricultural areas. Governments and development organizations can play a role in scaling up successful pilot projects, ensuring that the benefits of mobile lift irrigation reach a broader segment of the farming population.

Innovation: 

1. Low Cost of Construction:
Cheaper to construct compared to MS Barge due to three major points-
i. Use of used UPVC barrels.
ii. Fabrication can be done at the workshop. It can be transported to the location and Maneuverer is easy.
iii. No separate solar structure is needed as panels are mounted on the superstructure of the barrel barge only.
2. Low Maintenance Cost:
i. The LIS is powered by solar panels, so no cost of operation is there. Return on investment is fast.
ii. In case of damage replacement of barrels is easy and inexpensive.
3. Ease of Installation
i. The whole setup can be assembled in an hour manually at any remote place.4
4. Modular Design:
i. The size of the platform along with the complete setup can be increased easily according to the requirement of capacity.
5. Eco Friendly:
i. The use of solar panels and recycled barrels makes it eco-friendly.
6. Theft Prevention:
i. As we are using a DC pump instead of an AC pump it can’t be used for any domestic or industrial purpose, which makes it unattractive for thieves.
ii. Provisions are made for the installation of a Motion sensor CC camera for live monitoring of the pump station.
iii. It is proposed to provide embossed Solar Panels and Pump where it reflects
“PROPERTY OF IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT, GOVT. OF ASSAM”
7. Remote Monitoring System :
i. IoT-based Remote Monitoring System installed in the Barge Pump Controller, The scheme's data can be linked directly to the INO portal, providing a transparent, clear image of the delivery of service.