Capacitor usage with irrigation pumps

Poor quality of electricity for irrigation is a major issue for farmers leading to repair expenses, poor water management, extreme inconvenience, and reduced yields. This can be reduced substantially if farmers use capacitors on irrigation pumps leading to benefits for farmers as well as the power distribution company. Capacitor usage with induction motors is a standard technical solution for power distribution efficiency, commonly used in industry, yet their usage is non-existent in agriculture.

This group has conducted several projects over the years, including structured demonstration projects conducted over a year (under PoCRA), to investigate the gaps leading to this untapped resource and to develop avenues for promotion of the technology. We find a lack of promotion by government agencies is leading to lack of awareness among farmers, and further the awareness has to be followed up with drives and access to capacitors in the market.

We are happy to provide guidance and inputs to NGOs, capacitor vendors, FPOs, or other groups who are willing to take this forward. Access to academic work, project reports and awareness building material such as videos are available here.

Video on the benefits of capacitors and load management for farmers in Maharashtra. Made and disseminated under PoCRA.