LAHORE: In a major move towards sustainable agriculture, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a project to convert agricultural tubewells to solar energy.
Under the first phase, 8,000 tubewells across Punjab will be converted to solar energy, which will save farmers in the long run. The beneficiaries were selected through a draw in which the first name of Muhammad Nawaz from Attock emerged.
A list of farmers from Narowal district was also reviewed during the ceremony. The move to solar-powered wells is expected to provide significant financial relief, with individual farmers potentially saving up to Rs. 10,000 daily and over Rs. 3.25 lakh monthly.
To support the conversion, the Punjab government is providing subsidies based on the capacity of the 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.
With over 530,000 applications received, 385,000 farmers were deemed eligible. The aim is to convert 87% of diesel and electric tubewells to solar energy by June.
Maryam Nawaz asserted that the move would modernize Punjab’s agriculture, reduce operational costs and improve productivity. She also highlighted other farmer-focused programs, including Kisan Cards, modern farming tools, and training opportunities.
