Solar-Powered Tube Wells in Pakistan

Pakistan is an agricultural country with over 60% of the workforce employed in the farming sector. A significant portion of the economy, But due to the severe energy crisis and high electricity bills, farmers are facing challenges in crop cultivation. 

Considering the economic condition of Pakistan, PM Shahbaz Sharif proposed the Farmers Package to encourage agricultural reforms in the country.

Earlier in 2023, the prime minister of Pakistan tendered a plan to convert tube wells to solar energy. He said the farmers' package is available for all the country's farmers. 

According to the resources, turning tube wells to solar power would help Pakistan save $3.61 billion every year that is spent on diesel and imported fuel.

A tube well is a water reservoir that is a significant component of agricultural chores. Of the total electricity a country produces, 12-15 percent is supplied to villages. The energy is mainly used to power tube wells.

Punjab provincial government’s solar tube well plan promises a greener Pakistan. It will generate uninterrupted power for the agricultural industry and reduce electricity costs.

The features of the solar tube well scheme are as follows;

The government plans to finance 80% of the installation cost.

Eligible candidates include landowners and farmers with less than 12.5 hectares of agricultural land.

This plan works only on farming land with groundwater 50 to 80 feet above the surface. 

Overall, the farmer's package includes facilities for peasants, such as extending loans for small farmers, timely provision of seeds, introducing advanced agriculture technology, and converting tube wells to green energy.

If we see the broader picture, Pakistan is making efforts to conserve fuel resources and promote green energy throughout the country. The solar tube wells project will streamline agricultural practices in all aspects.

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