Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a solarization project for agricultural tube wells throughout the province. During a meeting in Lahore today, she emphasized that this initiative will significantly reduce agricultural production costs and benefit farmers.

The meeting revealed that landowners with a minimum of 25 acres will be eligible for the solarization project, covering just 33% of the total cost. The first phase will convert 7,000 tube wells to solar energy, with an additional 10,000 scheduled for the second phase. This major initiative aims to lower energy costs for farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.

Currently, operating a tube well with diesel costs approximately Rs3,000 per acre, while electricity costs about Rs1,500 per acre. With solar energy, this cost will be reduced to only Rs50 per acre, significantly easing the financial strain on farmers.

Who can apply for the Punjab agriculture tube wells scheme?

It has been decided that farmers with at least 25 acres of land will be eligible for the project. They will be responsible for only 33% of the solarization costs for their tube wells, with the government covering the remaining 67%.

Chief Minister Nawaz highlighted that the project aims to reduce high electricity costs and provide solar panels to farmers, which will lower crop production expenses and benefit the agricultural sector. She also instructed the creation of a special package for vegetable farmers and a sustainable supply management system for essential vegetables such as tomatoes and onions.

Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her commitment to addressing farmers’ concerns, stating, “If the farmer prospers, then Punjab will prosper.” She reiterated the government’s dedication to improving the agricultural sector and the well-being of farmers in the province.