A Study on Energy Efficiency of Agriculture Pumpsets in India

Abstract

In India, there is an increasing demand for electrical energy to meet irrigation needs. Many states electrical utilities have been experiencing severe power outages, causing farmers to become dissatisfied. It has been observed that underground water levels have dropped dramatically over the last few decades, while cultivated land has increased due to forest clearing. As a result, demand for electrical energy for irrigation is increasing. Agriculture receives free electricity in many Indian states. So, despite the fact that there is a lot of savings potential in pump sets, the poor farmer has no interest in replacing inefficient pump sets, incorporating capacitors, or spending money on existing pump sets other than rewinding burnout motors, etc. Subsidized or free power greatly encourages this mindset to choose a slightly more expensive efficient pump set. This paper examines the various factors that can impact a pump set's efficiency, as well as initiatives undertaken by the Indian government to improve energy efficiency in the agricultural sector. The article also discusses obstacles/difficulties encountered while replacing inefficient pump sets with energy efficient pump sets, as well as policy recommendations for improving overall efficiency in this sector.