The Jacana Portable Irrigation Pump is an innovative, solar-powered irrigation solution designed specifically to meet the needs of smallholder farmers. Built for simplicity, portability, and efficiency, this pump allows farmers to access water easily from shallow wells, rivers, streams, and ponds without relying on fuel or electricity.
Now successfully used by hundreds of farmers in Zambia, the Jacana Portable Irrigation Pump is proudly introduced in Kenya by Maji Milele, offering farmers a cost-effective and sustainable way to improve agricultural productivity.
How the Jacana Portable Irrigation Pump Works
The Jacana pump is placed directly into a shallow water source such as a well, stream, or pond. Once deployed, the solar panels power the pump, allowing it to lift and deliver water automatically using sunlight.
The maximum water depth is 15 meters, with an optimal recommended depth of up to 10 meters. No fuel, electricity, or grid connection is required. Simply place the pump, connect the hose, position the solar panels in the sun, and irrigation begins.
Designed for Daily Practical Use
One of the biggest advantages of the Jacana Portable Irrigation Pump is its true portability. The entire system, including the pump, solar panels, and hose, can be carried easily.
Farmers can use it on their farm during the day, take it home in the evening to prevent theft, and rent it out to another farmer the next day. This flexibility makes the pump not only a farming tool, but also a potential income-generating asset.
Daily Water Output Capacity
The pump’s daily performance depends on sunlight availability and water depth. It delivers between 5,000 and 11,000 liters of water per day, producing more output on sunny days and less on cloudy or rainy days. This makes it ideal for vegetable farming, small-scale irrigation, kitchen gardens, and tree nurseries.
Key Features
The Jacana Portable Irrigation Pump is powered entirely by solar energy, requiring no fuel or electricity. It is easy to install, carry, and maintain, and is suitable for use in rivers, open wells, streams, and ponds. The pump delivers a steady water flow of up to 30 liters per minute depending on sunlight conditions. Its super portable design allows farmers to use it today, store it safely, or rent it out tomorrow. The pump also requires minimal servicing, ensuring long-term reliability.
Technical Specifications
The pump is suitable for water sources such as rivers, open wells, streams, and ponds. It supports a vertical head from 0.25 meters up to 10 meters. Lifting beyond 10 meters is possible, but water flow is highly compromised.
The typical flow rate is approximately 20 liters per minute, delivering about 6,000 liters per day. In higher flow mode, the pump can reach up to 30 liters per minute, delivering around 9,000 liters per day. Actual performance varies depending on sunlight conditions.
The system supports a horizontal water run of up to 100 meters. The total product weight is approximately 15 kg, including the pump, solar panels, and hose pipe. It comes with a portability kit that makes daily carrying easy. The pump requires minimal maintenance for long-term dependable operation.
Ideal for Smallholder Farmers
The Jacana Portable Irrigation Pump is ideal for smallholder and subsistence farmers, especially those without access to electricity or operating in remote and off-grid areas. It offers an affordable, sustainable irrigation solution that helps farmers reduce operating costs, increase crop yields, and maintain consistent irrigation even during dry seasons.
Pricing (Inclusive of VAT)
The retailer price is KES 39,900 inclusive of VAT. The price for individual customers is KES 47,900 inclusive of VAT. An optional ¾ inch horizontal hose pipe is available at KES 210 per meter inclusive of VAT.
Proven Success, Now in Kenya
The Jacana Portable Irrigation Pump has already proven its value in Zambia, where farmers have successfully used it to improve food production and income. With Maji Milele introducing the pump to Kenya, local farmers now have access to a trusted, efficient, and affordable solar irrigation solution.
For more information and field experience, visit https://jacana.help/news/portable-solar-pump-for-small-scale-farmers/
Conclusion
The Jacana Portable Irrigation Pump is more than just a pump. It is a practical farming solution designed for mobility, affordability, and sustainability. Whether used for personal farming or rented out to other farmers, this solar-powered system delivers value every day the sun shines.
Farm smarter. Save costs. Irrigate sustainably with Jacana and Maji Milele.