In absence of grid connected electricity millions of small farmers depend on diesel powered irrigation pumps to water their crops. Diesel is a dirty fuel and with rising prices it is becoming uneconomical for the farmers. Thus it has become essential to switch to renewable energy powered irrigation pumps. But such pumps have remained marginal. There is currently no pump available on the market that is tailored specifically to the needs of the small farmer, with an unsubsidised price low enough to compete with the diesel pumps and be adopted widely.
Greenpeace is mobilising passionate, innovative people to focus their energy on solving a tightly targeted problem. The challenge brief is simple: design a renewably powered pump that fits into the lifestyle and budget of India’s small-scale farmers.
“This competition isn’t just about winning. The entire process is transparent: as soon as a design is submitted it’s open to the public and other entrants to review. Participants get feedback from experts in the field and the opportunity to iterate on their design in a real-world scenario, a valuable experience in addition to a prize money and a chance to work with Greenpeace and its partners to prototype their concept in farmer’s fields in India,”said Ingo Boltz, Manager, Greenpeace Innovation Lab.
“Through this challenge we aim to develop a renewable energy irrigation solution which is not only sustainable but also economically viable. The challenge being global will give an opportunity to the participants to share their ideas and discuss on the same with people across the world,” said Manish Ram, Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace India.
The total prize money for various categories is 30,000 Euros. The prize money will help the winners to transform their idea into a business reality.
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