Poverty Alleviation

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WATER EXTRACTION:
The methods presently used for extracting water from underground sources are wasteful on energy. The steep escalation in power charges results in high per liter cost at the farm gate. This in turn effects the cost of production and reduces the profit margin considerably. Secondly, the cost of produce to the consumer is increased. When this happens the cost of living goes up and the standard of living goes down. Since most things are interconnected, the cost of everything is driven up and inflation results. It is our duty, as Production People as opposed to Marketing People, to see that cost of production is kept to a minimum. There are many ways of doing this. One such method is to keep the energy costs of pumping water at a bare minimum. The World Bank is insisting upon the Privatization of Tube Wells. These Tube Wells are presently pumping water for irrigation and utility at a tremendous cost. At present the cost is borne by the State. Farmers are reluctant to take over these Tube Wells as it would add greatly to their cost of production and lead to spiraling inflation. Let us take a look at some alternatives.

THE JACK PUMP:
Originally designed as Low Discharge Deep Well Pump for the extraction of Oil, this principle has been adapted successfully for High Discharge Deep and Shallow Well pumping for water. The energy required for pumping is so low that alternate means such as Solar; Wind and Gas turbines can be used. At present one such pump is operating admirably in the premises of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (P.A.R.C.) Water Resources Management Section. It is highly unfortunate that the principle has not been given the publicity due to it and thus extended as far as possible. The present pump is operating on a Shallow well due to the high water table in the region (20'). A 14" pipe is delivering half a Cusec of water using a 1 HP motor. The system uses a well balanced See-Saw principle arm attached to a motor through a reduction and directional gear that converts the motive power's circulatory motion into an up down motion. The arm is attached through a cable to a weighted valve. The valve is housed within the water delivery pipe sunk into the well. The downward stroke of the arm is assisted by the weight of the valve. Water below the valve forces it to open upward filling the chamber above the valve with water. The return stroke causes the valve to close and forces the water upwards. This process is repeated continuously lifting the water up the well head to the delivery mouth. The present pump utilizes a 36-inch stroke and delivers water on every upward stroke. The department informs us that the length of the stroke can be increased to 72 inches and force a continuous supply of water up to depths of 400 feet.

LOW COST EARTH SHELTERED, CERAMIC ADOBE, PASSIVE SOLAR (ESCAPS) CONSTRUCTION.

1. INTRODUCTION:
Construction of Houses; Poultry Farms; Sheds and Cold Stores is probably the largest requirement facing our Country. The present method of construction is, damaging to the Environment; wasteful; expensive; time consuming and energy inefficient. The process requires much effort and dislocation. The technology available to "TAAMEER" is internationally accepted. Indeed NASA has approved it as the only method of construction suited to outer space. The technology is of Iranian origin and has been developed by Nadir Khalili. Thus the technology is very well suited to our climate. The process is quite simple and low cost. The time required to construct is minimum.

2. PROCESS:
Briefly, the technology involves construction of the structure using sun dried adobe blocks. The roof is either Dome or Arch; here again adobe tiles are used. The entire structure is supported internally with columns of adobe bricks that serve to support the roof and also act as flues to conserve and recirculate heat. The structure is then temporarily sealed and burners are used to provide heat upto 1600 degrees Centigrade. This process is carried out for 48 hours. The second step is to coat the interior with Triaxial Ceramic material (China Clay; Dolomite; Bentonite; Feldspar etc.). Ceramic tiles intended for the roof are also stacked inside the structure. Second firing upto 1200 degrees Centigrade is provided for four hours (depending upon the triaxial material selected). It is important to note that the Ceramic material can be treated with coloring oxides to obtain colors. Designs and patterns can be inlaid as well.

3. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
The following equipment is required for establishing a Small
venture in this process.
    · Temperature Probe upto 1600 Degrees C.
    · Digital Temperature Sensor upto 1600 Degrees C.
    · Kerosene Oil Burners x 03.
    · Fan and Compressor.
    · 20 HP diesel engine.
    · 5kV Generator.
    · Small Cement mixer.
    · Forms for Blocks and tiles.
    · Misc. hand tools.
    · Suzuki pickup.

4. TEAM:
The management of "TAAMEER" has a team of 1 qualified adobe mason and 4 laborers. The team has sufficient experience in constructing adobe houses. To get the Firm going 6 months pay and working capital is required. This figure comes to Rs.35,000 per month.

5. PROFITABILITY:
The profitability of construction is 100 %. However it must be kept in mind that the Firm would increase its orders only after a certain period of introduction. The inherent quality and suitability of the process ensures that this type of construction will prove to be very popular.

6. CONCLUSION:
There is not much chance of failure in this project. The management is determined to make it a success. As such it is strongly recommended that the project may be considered and sanctioned at the earliest. This most vital sector of the Economy has plenty of scope for expansion. The contacts, creditability and determination of the Sponsors will ensure a safe and viable project.