Hydraulic ram pumps for alternative irrigation water supply in cold, arid climate zones

In Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, canal intakes from glaciers are becoming disconnected because of accelerated glacial melting, thereby causing a shortage in the supply of irrigation water to cultivated lands. Since much of the arable land in Gilgit-Baltistan is located at a higher altitude than rivers, alternative water-lifting (such as the hydraulic ram pump) and efficient irrigation technologies (drip irrigation) are required to extend the agriculture base along the elevated riverbanks. This factsheet details the impacts of such technologies at a pilot intervention site in Khyber village and provides information on the hydraulic ram pump’s functioning, applications, maintenance, costs, and limitations.