From Reclaimed Land to Thriving Farm
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Born in Cong Luong Hamlet, Hoai My Commune (Hoai Nhon – Binh Dinh), Phan Chang moved in 1997 to Nam Hamlet, Song Cau Commune (Khanh Vinh – Khanh Hoa) to reclaim land and start a new life.
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In the early years, he faced hardships: his fields lay across the Song Cau River, forcing him to pump water in the dry season and cross by boat during the rainy season.
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To survive, he planted bananas, lemons, and pomelos, and with government support, invested in 7 hectares of timber trees such as acacia, hopea, and agarwood.
Despite the harsh climate—single-crop rice, cracked upland soil in the dry months—he never gave up on finding a solution for reliable irrigation.
Inventing a Fuel-Free Irrigation Pump
Driven by the challenge of supplying water to 2 hectares of hillside crops, Phan Chang asked himself: “Why not use the power of flowing water itself to lift water uphill?”
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After many failed experiments with pipes and waterwheels, his perseverance paid off: he built a water-powered pump that needs no diesel or electricity.
How the Pump Works
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Running water spins a paddle wheel connected to a shaft.
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A 1:28 gear ratio multiplies speed—one rotation of the wheel turns the pump head 28 times.
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The pump lifts 30–50 m³ of water per hour, running continuously day and night.
Compared to a conventional pump that would burn about 2,400 liters of diesel each dry season, his invention saves fuel costs entirely and is environmentally friendly.
Low-Cost, High Impact
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Cost to build: only about 1 million VND using simple, locally available materials.
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The pump has enabled farmers to diversify crops and plant high-value species, turning once-barren hills into productive farmland.
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More than ten households have already adopted the system for gardens in hilly areas near rivers and streams.
Recognition and Lasting Legacy
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Award: Third Prize at Khanh Hoa Province’s Second Scientific and Technical Innovation Contest.
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For Phan Chang, the greatest reward is the economic transformation of Song Cau, where greenery now covers the hillsides and farmers enjoy plentiful harvests without the burden of fuel costs.