Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a new initiative aimed at converting 8,000 agricultural tube wells to solar power, marking another step in her administration’s efforts to support the farming community. This latest project follows the introduction of the Kisan Card, Agri Mechanization, and agriculture internship programs.

According to a statement by Chief Minister of Punjab, the first draw for the solarization project took place, with Muhammad Nawaz Kankla of Attock being selected as the initial beneficiary. The initiative is expected to result in significant savings for farmers, with the potential to cut daily costs by more than ten thousand rupees.

The Punjab government has announced subsidies for the solar systems, offering Rs 5 lakh for a 10 kW system, Rs 7.5 lakh for a 15 kW system, and Rs 1 million for a 20 kW system. Farmers who are successful in the draw will be able to choose their own vendors for installation.

This project aims to convert 87% of diesel-powered and 13% of electric-powered tube wells to solar energy. The first phase is targeted for completion by June. The initiative is expected to reduce crop production costs and improve farmer prosperity, according to Chief Minister Sharif.