Natural gas driven power pump

Two young scientists of the country yesterday claimed that they have invented natural gas driven power pump for using in irrigation dropping the diesel driven power pumps being used by farmers.

"If a farmer uses a gas driven power pump instead of a traditional diesel-driven power pump he can save Tk over 10,000 in a month," Shawkat Hossain, one of the two scientists, told reporters while projecting a gas-driven power pump at Tolarbagh in the city.

He said a diesel-driven power pump needs about 10 litres of diesel for a day that costs Tk 410 while a gas-driven power needs 8 litres of gas costing Tk only 68, which is about one fifth of the earlier.

Referring to the usage of 12,00,000 diesel power pumps in the country in irrigation sector, the young scientist said if the government cooperates them to introduce their pumps replacing the current ones the country could save Tk 1,231 crore in a month.

Shawkat Hossain, who hailed from Shariatpur district, said after a yearlong endeavor they have succeeded to convert diesel-driven power pump into gas-driven power pump.

Kamal Ahmed Ratan, the other scientist told reporters that they need government assistance to marketize the pumps across the country, as they have no sufficient funds.

He, however, said that if any honest businessman comes forward to implement their project they would welcome them.

Ratan, who hailed from Munshiganj district and also Shawkat's friend, said they need Tk about 12,000 to convert an 8-horse diesel-driven power pump into gas-driven power pump.

He, however, said that the cost could be minimized to Tk 7,000 to 8,000 for each pump if the Government extends its cooperation to them.

Ratan said they engaged themselves to invent the power pump to reduce the suffering of the farmers due to price hike of diesel both in national and international markets.

Md Ataur Rahman, Managing Director of Grambangla Science and Technology Research Project under which banner the two scientists are trying to create funds to implement the project, said the Government has to import over 40 barrels of oil only for using in the irrigation sector and gives a lot of subsidy.

"If the government extends it cooperation to introduce the gas-driven power pumps replacing the traditional diesel-driven power pumps, the country can save hundred thousand of Taka every year ensuring proper usage of natural gas."

Ataur Rahman said under the Grambangla Science and Technology Research Project they would carry on more inventory projects for the sake of people and the nation.