The objective of this scheme is to replace fuel inefficient foot valves of agricultural lift irrigation pump sets with fuel-efficient ISI marked ones having friction factor less than 0.8. This activity is taken up in different districts of various States to effectively demonstrate the fuel and cost saving potential of such foot valves to as many farmers as possible. States are selected based on the willingness of the State to Government to participate in the implementation of this scheme. Out of the various stages of rectification which yield diesel savings of varying degrees the option involving replacement of inefficient foot valves is the most cost effective one.

This scheme is coordinated by PCRA in association with concerned State Government and implemented by a nodal agency appointed by the respective State Government Normally, the nodal agency involved in the Dept. Of Rural Development in the State or any other department deemed appropriate by the State Government.

The identification of districts/villages in each State for the replacement of foot valve is done by the nodal executing agency in consultation with PCRA. The nodal agencies identify the beneficiaries and carry out the replacements. 8 to 12% fuel saving is possible in the pump sets by using efficient foot valves.

The estimated cost of each foot valve replacement including cost of foot valve is about Rs.450/-. The cost towards the implementation of the scheme is shared by PCRA, State Govt. and the farmer beneficiary @ Rs.250/-, Rs.50/- and Rs.150/- respectively to ensure total involvement of all the parties in the scheme.

After replacement of the foot valve, the executing agency collects Rs. 150/- from the beneficiary, to cover the part cost of the foot valve as also the old foot valve. The old foot valves are scrapped by the executing agency in the manner to be decided by the State Government.

To demonstrate to the farmers the saving accrued on account of foot valve replacement, the executing agency carries out demonstration of about 5 % of total foot valves replaced in the village. To evaluate the savings effected through the replacements, pre and post replacement checks are carried out on random sample basis by an independent agency of repute and exercise in the field of energy conservation in diesel pump sets, appointed by PCRA. The expenses towards pre & post replacement checks are borne by PCRA.