Assessment of Technical and Financial Feasibility of the Gadachaur Lift Irrigation System, Bajura Nepal

Abstract

Implementation of a cost-effective and technically feasible irrigation project in the hilly topography contains many challenges in operation and management. This study examined the technical and economic feasibility of the lift irrigation system along with diversification of irrigated agriculture in one of the mid-hill districts of Nepal. To achieve the overall aim, a case study was conducted in Gadachaur, Bajura District of Nepal in 2022-2023. The approach consisted of collecting data and information from desk study of Google Earth maps, field visits, surveys, focus group discussions and subsequent ,interpretation. The study found that the selected system is both technically and economically feasible. The cropping intensity in the chosen area was 105%. The economic analysis indicated that the internal rate of return was 19.7%, and the B/C ratio at a 10% discount was 1.9, while at a 12% discount rate, the B/C was 1.63. After establishing the technical feasibility of the irrigation system, the following recommendations were made; the economic size of the pumping main should be 80 mm, the total dynamic head should be 160 m, the total volume of water to be pumped per day should be 141 m3, and the HP of the pump required should be 15 KW.