A comprehensive review of water lifting devices for agricultural and rural applications

Abstract

Water lifting devices play a vital role in ensuring adequate water supply for agriculture and rural domestic needs, especially in regions with limited infrastructure and challenging topography such as the Konkan region of India. Various water lifting devices have been developed globally, utilizing human, animal, hydraulic, wind, and solar energy. This review presents a comprehensive survey of commonly used water lifting devices including rope and bucket lifts, Archimedes screws, water wheels, rope pumps, suction plunger and direct action handpumps, deep-well piston and diaphragm pumps, and hydraulic rams. Technical specifications, working principles, merits and demerits, material availability, maintenance requirements, and applicability in Indian contexts are summarized. Special emphasis is given to locally adaptable energy-free devices suitable for smallholder farmers and rural communities. The study highlights gaps in existing technology, identifies potential improvements, and provides insights for the design and development of efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable water lifting solutions for the Konkan region and similar agro-climatic zones.