LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated a solarisation project for agricultural tube wells, following the launch of the Kisan Card, agri mechanization, and agriculture internship programs.
The initiative aims to reduce farming costs and improve agricultural productivity in Punjab.
The first draw for the project selected Muhammad Nawaz Kankla of Attock as the first beneficiary. In phase one, 8,000 tube wells will be converted to solar energy through a draw. Farmers using solar tube wells are expected to save over Rs10,000 per day and Rs350,000 per month in energy costs.
The Punjab government has announced subsidies for solar systems, offering Rs500,000 for 10 kW, Rs750,000 for 15 kW, and Rs1 million for 20 kW agricultural tube wells. Successful farmers can select vendors within their districts for solar system installation.
More than 530,000 farmers applied under the scheme, with 385,000 declared eligible. Of the tube wells being converted, 87% are diesel-powered, and 13% are electric-powered. The first phase is set to be completed by June.
Maryam Nawaz stated that the solarisation project will lower crop production costs and contribute to farmer prosperity. She emphasized that agricultural development initiatives, including the Kisan Card, mechanization, and agri internships, aim to support farmers and modernize Punjab’s agriculture sector.
