Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the much-anticipated agricultural tube well solarisation project today, a significant move toward promoting sustainable farming across the province. The first phase of the initiative will see 8,000 tube wells converted to solar power, according to Express News.
At the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz announced that farmers would be selected for the project via a lottery system, with Muhammad Nawaz from Attock being the first name drawn. She also reviewed the list of successful farmers from Narowal district, highlighting the broad reach of the project.
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The initiative promises substantial savings for farmers, with estimates showing potential daily savings of Rs10,000 and over Rs3.25 lakh monthly. To support the transition, the Punjab government will provide subsidies ranging from Rs5 lakh to Rs10 lakh, depending on the size of the solar system installed.
With over 530,000 applications and 385,000 farmers eligible for the lottery, the project will primarily target the 87% of tube wells currently powered by diesel and electricity, significantly reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Maryam Nawaz set a target to complete the first phase by June, expressing confidence that this solarisation project would lower agricultural production costs and revolutionize farming in Punjab. She also emphasized other ongoing farmer-focused initiatives, such as the Farmer’s Card, agricultural mechanisation, and internships aimed at improving livelihoods in the sector.
