Secretary Agriculture Leads Punjab's Solar Tube Well Conversion

The Punjab government has earmarked Rs12 billion for the conversion of agricultural tube wells to solar energy as part of the 'Transforming Punjab Agriculture Program'. This initiative is designed to help farmers reduce their energy costs significantly.

Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo led a meeting at Agriculture House to discuss the shift to solar power for tube wells. He highlighted that the Agriculture Extension Department will provide data on crop cultivation patterns in specific regions, while the irrigation department will supply information on underground water levels. Districts with low water tables will not be part of this conversion program.

The Water Management department will conduct laser land leveling in areas where solar-powered tube wells are implemented. The Energy Department will carefully evaluate companies offering solar systems, giving preference to those with robust technical and financial backgrounds. The installation of solar systems will strictly adhere to using high-quality materials.

The application process will be overseen by the Agriculture Department, with successful farmers selected through a transparent balloting system. This holistic approach aims to improve agricultural sustainability and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.

The Punjab government's initiative to convert agricultural tube wells to solar energy is a significant step towards promoting sustainable farming practices and reducing the environmental impact of traditional energy sources. By investing in solar technology, farmers in Punjab can expect to lower their operational costs and contribute to a greener future for agriculture in the region.