How Farmer John Increased His Yield by 300% with Solar Pumps
John Mukasa, a small-scale farmer in Mukono District, Uganda, struggled with inconsistent rainfall and the high cost of fuel for his diesel pump. His maize yields were unpredictable, and he often lost crops during dry spells.
The Challenge
Before switching to solar, John faced several challenges:
- Spending over 200,000 UGX monthly on fuel
- Frequent breakdowns of his diesel pump
- Limited irrigation during critical growing periods
- Unreliable crop yields season to season
The Solution
In 2024, John partnered with Tulima Solar to install a Kilimo Bora surface pump system. The installation included:
- 4 solar panels (400W each)
- Kilimo Bora surface pump
- Complete piping system for 2 acres
- Training on system operation and maintenance
The Results
Within one season, John saw remarkable improvements:
- Eliminated fuel costs completely
- Increased maize yield from 800kg to 2,400kg per season
- Expanded cultivated area from 1.5 to 3 acres
- Started a second growing season during the dry period
"The solar pump changed everything for my family. I now farm throughout the year and my income has tripled." - John Mukasa
Financing That Works
John accessed our 22-month financing program, paying affordable monthly installments. The savings from eliminated fuel costs more than covered his monthly payments.
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