LAHORE: In a groundbreaking step toward sustainable agriculture, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched a project to convert agricultural tubewells across the province to solar energy. This initiative, aimed at reducing operational costs for farmers, is set to have a major positive impact on Punjab’s agricultural sector.
Under the first phase of the project, 8,000 tubewells will be converted to solar power, with the promise of long-term savings for farmers. The conversion is expected to provide financial relief, with each farmer potentially saving up to Rs. 10,000 daily and over Rs. 3.25 lakh monthly. The transition to solar energy will significantly lower the operational costs of water pumping, traditionally a major expense for farmers.
A draw was conducted to select the beneficiaries, with Muhammad Nawaz from Attock emerging as the first name. During the ceremony, a list of eligible farmers from Narowal district was also reviewed. The Punjab government received over 530,000 applications, with 385,000 farmers being deemed eligible for the solar conversion.
The initiative also offers subsidies based on the capacity of the solar system: Rs. 5 lakh for a 10 kW system, Rs. 7.5 lakh for a 15 kW system, and Rs. 1 million for a 20 kW system. These subsidies will help ease the transition for farmers, allowing them to invest in renewable energy solutions for their agricultural needs.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the move would not only modernize Punjab’s agriculture but also increase productivity by reducing dependency on costly diesel and electric-powered tubewells. She also highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through various programs, including the distribution of Kisan Cards, access to modern farming tools, and training opportunities.
Read More: Punjab Announces Public Holiday for Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5
The solar tubewell initiative is part of the Punjab government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable practices in agriculture and ensure a more economically viable future for the province’s farming community. By June, the government aims to convert 87% of the diesel and electric tubewells to solar energy, marking a significant shift toward greener, more efficient farming practices.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.