Punjab announces ‘agriculture tube wells solarisation project’; Details inside

LAHORE:  Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has given the green light for a solarization project for agriculture tube wells across the province. At a meeting in Lahore today, she stated that the initiative will greatly reduce agricultural production costs and benefit farmers.

The meeting was informed that landowners with at least 25 acres of land will qualify for the agricultural tube wells solarization project, covering only 33% of the total cost. In the first phase, 7,000 tube wells will be converted to solar energy, with an additional 10,000 set to be converted in the second phase. A major initiative designed to cut energy costs for farmers and support sustainable agriculture.

Currently, running a tubewell with diesel costs about Rs3,000 per acre, while electricity costs around Rs1,500 per acre. Solar energy will reduce this cost to just Rs50 per acre, greatly easing the financial burden on farmers.

Who can apply for the Punjab agriculture tube wells scheme?

It was decided that farmers with at least 25 acres of land would qualify for the project. They will only need to cover 33% of the solarization cost for their tubewells, with the government subsidizing the remaining 67%.

Chief Minister Nawaz emphasized the project’s role in lowering high electricity costs and providing solar panels to farmers, which will reduce crop production costs and benefit the agricultural sector. She also directed the development of a special package for vegetable farmers and a sustainable supply management system for essential vegetables like tomatoes and onions.

Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her commitment to addressing farmers’ issues, stating, “If the farmer is prosperous, then Punjab will be prosperous.” She reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing the agricultural sector and farmer well-being in the province.