LAHORE – The Punjab government has allocated Rs12 billion for shifting agricultural tube wells in the province to solar energy.
Chairing a meeting to review shifting of tube wells to solar energy under the “Transforming Punjab Agriculture Program” at Agriculture House on Monday, Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said that the initiative will help reducing the energy cost. He said that the Agriculture Extension Department will provide data regarding cultivation patterns in specific areas.
The irrigation department will provide information about the underground water levels, he said, adding that districts with low water table will not be included in the scheme. He said that Water Management department will conduct laser land leveling in districts irrigated by solar powered tube wells. The Energy Department will pre-qualify the companies providing solar systems. Companies with good technical and financial reputation will be selected for the scheme. Quality materials shall be used for the installation of the solar system. Agriculture Department will receive the applications and the final list of successful farmers will be issued through transparent balloting, he said.
