Proximity Designs Drip Irrigation System

Product Description

Proximity Designs Drip Irrigation System is a gravity-fed irrigation system that maintains a high flow rate from a minimum head water source (ex. elevated to 3ft). The newest designs are sold as complete sets and can be installed straight from the package. A single set can irrigate up to 1/4 of an acre and delivers water to individual plants through small tubes.

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Proximity Designs

Manufacturing/Building Method

Mass produced system Proximity Designs has a Yangon based workshop where manufacturing is performed by 20-50 employees depending on season.

Intellectural Property Type

Trade Secret

User Provision Model

Proximity Designs sells its products through local distributors, sales representatives, online ordering, village based agents (work on commission), and family-run agro dealers.

Distributions to Date Status

Over 250,000 products sold.

Design Specifications

The Drip Irrigation System is designed to work with a gravity-fed water source at a head (tank height) as low as one metre. The system has a filter, tube or ‘drip tape’, and assorted connectors to transport water. The drip tape through which water flows is made from LLDPE, a flexible, puncture-resistant polymer. One kit (price US $35 for 46 m of drip tape, filters and 1,800 microtubes) can irrigate an area of typically 40 m^2.

Technical Support

Independent village based agents, who source Proximity's customers, install products and provide after sales services. They earn a commission on sales and receive a set fee for repairs and installation. Most recently, they have begun offering products, after sales care, product financing services and spare parts at the village level in 100+ agent run village kiosks.

Replacement Components

Local distribution channels allow for local replacement parts to be available.

Lifecycle

Products have one year warranty.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Proximity's systems maintain a high flow rate even from a water source elevated to just 3ft. Their newest designs are sold as complete sets, meaning that they can be installed straight from the packet, and a single set can irrigate up to 1/4 of an acre; reducing water usage by 50% and increasing yields 33% at the same time.

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown.

Safety

No known hazards.

Complementary Technical Systems

Unknown.

Academic Research and References

Low-Pressure Drip Irrigation for Small Plots and Urban Landscapes: Daniel Smeal et.al. Low-Pressure Drip Irrigation for Small Plots and Urban Landscapes, Agricultural Experiment Station, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, NMSU; Research Report 773

Rowell, B. et al., ‘Low pressure drip irrigation for commercial vegetables in Myanmar. Proximity Designs, New University Ave., BLDG. C, Suite 202, Yangon, Myanmar. Research report pg1-8.

Compliance with regulations

Unknown; however, the Myanmar based production company adheres to local standards.

Other Information

Proximity Designs is an Ashden Award winner.