Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the Agriculture Tubewell Solarization project through a balloting process in Lahore on Saturday.
The project, aimed at shifting the energy source of agricultural tube wells to solar power, marks a significant milestone in the province's agricultural transformation.
According to details, the project’s first phase will involve the solarisation of 8,000 tube wells across Punjab, a move expected to provide much-needed financial relief to farmers by reducing energy costs.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the Punjab CM revealed that a lottery system would be used to select the farmers who will benefit from the project.
Muhammad Nawaz from Attock was the first name drawn, with more successful candidates from Narowal also being announced.
Farmers can look forward to saving substantial amounts on energy bills, with estimates suggesting daily savings of Rs10,000 and monthly savings surpassing Rs3.25 lakh for an average farmer.
The government is providing financial support through subsidies for the installation of solar systems, with assistance ranging from Rs5 lakh for smaller systems to Rs10 lakh for larger installations.
The initiative has drawn immense interest, with over 530,000 farmers applying for participation, of which 385,000 meet the eligibility criteria.
The majority of these tube wells, previously relying on diesel or conventional electricity, will now run on solar power, marking a significant step towards more sustainable farming practices.
Maryam Nawaz said she set a target to complete the first phase of the solarisation project by June, expressing confidence that this change will revolutionise farming in the region.
She also highlighted other ongoing efforts, such as the Farmer's Card program, agricultural mechanisation, and various internships, all designed to further improve the lives of farmers.
“This solar initiative will be a turning point in the growth of Punjab's agricultural sector,” the Punjab CM said.