A blacksmith shaping a new grindstone for an updated water mill in the Himalayan state of Uttar Ranchal. (Photo credit: Martin Wright)
IT Power India (ITPI) has worked with the Watermillers Association of Chamoli (WMA-C) in the Himalayan state of Uttaranchal, northern India, to upgrade over 70 traditional watermills which are used to produce flour. The upgrading has greatly increased the output capacity of each mill, and thus the income of watermilling families.
This project demonstrates the continuing viability of traditional water mills which, used appropriately, can mill flour more cheaply than the diesel mills which are threatening to replace them. The increase in income from an upgraded mill is such that the investment can be paid back in about a year - an excellent rate of return, which bodes well for the rapid expansion of the model across the region.
