….says Prabhubhai P Patel, President of Indian Pump Manufacturers’ Association (IPMA); and Managing Director of Duke Plasto Technique Pvt Ltd, in this interview with Rakesh Rao.

 

How do you see the market for pumps in India?

It is observed that replacement market accounts for 60 per cent of the pumps industry, while remaining 40 per cent comes from new market. Overall, Indian pump industry is showing a robust growth with agriculture, domestic, submersible sewage pump and solar pump segments growing at 10-12 per cent, 18-20 percent, 8-10 per cent and 20-25 per cent, respectively.There is huge demand of submersible pump sets in India driven by sectors like agriculture (accounting for 43 per cent demand), domestic (30 per cent), industrial (13 per cent) and others. 

 

Are government initiatives propelling the demandfor pumps?

Government has introduced many schemes like Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal Yojana, Solar Kusum Yojana, Smart City Yojana, etc. All these schemes definitely help to pump manufacturers to grow and develop product accordingly.

 

What are the key challenges before pump manufacturers in India?

There are some challenges before pump manufacturers in India. It is hard to estimate market demand and seasonal variations. It is difficult to follow different standards of BIS, BEE and MNRE. Hence, we have suggested having a uniform norm for pumps. Farmers are reluctant 

to use energy efficient and better product due to availability of free electricity and absence of power meter. Due to their low paying capacity, poor farmers are unable to afford latest pumps. Usage of low cost and inferior product by farmers is affecting the growth of overall industry.

 

What steps are being taken by IPMA to promote growth of pumps industry?

We are providing a common platform to our associate members to supply their product to IPMA members (manufacturers). IPMA is creating awareness about Zero Defect and Zero Effect (ZED) program and its implementation in MSME sector. We are strongly advocate development of new technology in pump and solar industry. We have suggested government to offer with incentives for farmers to use Star Rated pumps in all states. IPMA is also helping industry to tap solar business opportunity due to Kusum Yojana.  

 

Is the demand for solar pumps growing? 

Yes, there is a good future for solar pumps as subsidies from GoI and state governments range from 30 per cent to 90 percent. But, it is also difficult to participate in tendering process due to frequent changes in tendering system and approval process. Kusum Yojana will definitely help to increase solar business for pump manufacturers. 

 

What are the emerging (developing) trends in pumps industry?

Increase in power availability is leading to rise in demand for pumps in India. While organised sector offers business opportunity worth Rs 4,560 crore, unorganised sector is estimated at Rs 4,800 crore. Economic cycle for the next five years is positive due to the formation of stable government at the center. Government steps such as separate Jal Sansadhan Ministry, plans to increase farmer’s income, excess power & new connection for farmers, policy initiatives (Kusum and Amrut Yojana, Ganga and other river cleaning and Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal yojana) are key for growth of pumps industry.  

 

What is the outlook for pumps industry?

Pump industry needs to change by incorporating new technologies to become competitive. It also has to orient itself towards smart and energy efficient pumps to stay in business.