Punjab Govt and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the Agricultural Tubewell Solarization Project, which aims to cut energy costs for farmers and support sustainable agriculture.
During a Friday meeting, the project details were finalized, with the plan covering 33% of the solarization costs for farmers with 25 acres or more, while the government will cover the remaining 67%.
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The first phase will convert 7,000 tubewells to solar power, and the second phase, with federal government involvement, plans to solarize an additional 10,000 tubewells.
Currently, diesel costs about Rs3,000 per acre for running a tubewell, and electricity costs Rs1,500 per acre. In contrast, solar energy will reduce the cost to Rs50 per acre, easing the financial strain on farmers.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that this project will help lower crop production costs by reducing reliance on diesel and expensive electricity. She also instructed the creation of a special package for vegetable farmers and a sustainable system for managing essential vegetables like tomatoes and onions.
Maryam reiterated her commitment to improving the agricultural sector and farmer welfare, stating that the prosperity of farmers will lead to the prosperity of Punjab. The project is expected to significantly impact Punjab’s agriculture, promoting eco-friendly practices and improving farming economics.
