What is the primary function of treadle pumps?

The primary function of treadle pumps is to enable irrigation. Treadle pumps are a type of human-powered device that allows users to draw water from a source and deliver it to crops. By using a simple foot-operated mechanism, they provide a cost-effective and efficient way to irrigate fields, particularly in small-scale farming. This irrigation capability is essential for ensuring that crops receive adequate water, which ultimately supports their growth and increases the chances of a successful harvest.

Other options, while related to agriculture, do not align with the primary function of treadle pumps. Increasing crop yield is a potential result of using the pumps effectively for irrigation but is not the direct function of the pump itself. Planting seeds and harvesting crops are entirely different processes and tasks that do not involve the irrigation aspect of farming, which is where treadle pumps come into play.