What is rahat irrigation

Rahat irrigation is a traditional method of lifting water from wells using a wheel system operated by animals such as bullocks or camels.

In the rahat system, a large wheel fitted with buckets or pots is attached to a horizontal axle. This axle is turned by animals walking in circles. As the wheel turns, the buckets dip into the well and lift water to the surface for irrigation.

Components of the Rahat System

• Wheel or pulley: Holds the chain of pots or buckets.
• Chain of pots: Carries water from the well to the field.
• Animal power: Bullocks, camels, or donkeys move the wheel.
• Channel: Carries water to the crop fields.

Working Principle

1. Animals are harnessed to a horizontal shaft connected to the wheel.
2. As animals walk in circles, the wheel rotates.
3. Buckets attached to the wheel lift water from the well.
4. The water is poured into a channel that carries it to the fields.

Advantages

• Low cost and easy to maintain.
• Can be used in areas without electricity.
• Suitable for small farms.

Disadvantages

• Slow and labor-intensive.
• Cannot irrigate large areas.
• Depends on animal power, which requires feeding and care.