Punjab to convert tube-wells to solar under Rs12bn plan

LAHORE: The Punjab government has initiated a plan worth Rs12 billion to convert electric-powered tubewells to solar under the ‘Transforming Punjab Agriculture’ programme, The News has learnt.

In the initial phase, 7,000 electric-powered tubewells will be converted to solar. The tubewells that get their electricity connection by March 31, 2024 will be included in this scheme. The maximum water depth for installing solar systems is set at 60ft. The equivalent pumping systems of 15, 10 and 7.5kW power will be installed for transition to solar.These details were shared in a review meeting on the solarization of agricultural tubewells held at the Agriculture House on Saturday under the chairmanship of Secretary Agriculture of Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo.

Speaking on the occasion, Sahoo said, “there are a total of 1.2 million agricultural tubewells in Punjab, of which 1 million tubewells are being run on diesel while 0.2 million tubewells are being operated with the help of electricity.

The technical team will visit the site and determine the water depth in the presence of the applicant (farmer). Sahoo also said: “committees have been notified for receiving and examining the applications. To ensure transparency, balloting will be held in the offices of the respective deputy commissioners.”

Punjab is also implementing a project titled the ‘Installation of Solar Systems for Operating High Efficiency Irrigation Systems’ (HEIS) under which it plans to provide the solar system to operate high-efficiency irrigation systems based on site-specific requirements. Keeping in view the socio-economic and financial capacity of the farming community, the government will share up to 75 per cent of the cost of installing solar equipment.For example, if a farmer wants to install the system on 12.5 acres, he will get 75 per cent subsidy up to 7.5 acres, while the subsidy on the remaining five acres (7.6 to 12.5 acres) will be 60 per cent.

The Punjab government will provide the maximum amount of Rs720,000, if the cost of the solar-powered pumping system at the pond site is more than Rs1.2 million. However, it will provide 60 per cent of the cost if the total cost is less than Rs1.2 million.

With a view to reclaim land, Punjab has also launched a project titled the ‘Supply, Installation and Commissioning of Solar Tubewells in Waterlogged Areas of Punjab’ with funding from the Asian Development Bank. The main objective of the project is to reclaim agricultural lands by setting-up solar tubewells in waterlogged areas of Punjab.

The key objectives of the project include pilot testing of reclamation of agricultural lands by pumping excess water through solar-powered tubewells and enhancing water and agricultural productivity through reclamation of waterlogged soils/lands.

The project will also help conduct research on the efficient and sustainable use of solar energy for operating tubewells in waterlogged areas. The major activities to be carried out under the proposed project will include setting up 93 existing/new tubewells (diesel/electric) on solar energy for pumping extra water to reclaim waterlogged agricultural lands and conducting research on the efficient and sustainable use of solar energy for operating tubewells in waterlogged areas.