Solar tube-well programme faces roadblock

LAHORE:The promise of relief from soaring energy costs through the Punjab government's ambitious solar tube-well programme is fading for thousands of farmers across the province.

What was once envisioned as a beacon of sustainable agriculture, offering substantial subsidies for converting to solar power, is facing delays, it is learnt here Friday. Farmers, many of whom operate on small to medium-sized landholdings between one and 25 acres, had pinned their hopes on this initiative, taking it as viable option for getting rid of inflated power bills. The offered subsidies – Rs500,000 for tube-wells up to 10kW, Rs750,000 for those up to 15kW, and Rs1 million for capacities up to 20kW – represented a significant opportunity to escape the burden of hefty electricity bills and the fluctuating prices of diesel fuel.

Over 450,000 farmers submitted their applications on government portal, but with delays of several months, now they seem to be disillusioned about the future of the project. Farmers are left wondering when, or even if, they will receive the promised support. The initial excitement has morphed into frustration as they continue to grapple with high operational costs, while the prospect of a cleaner, cheaper energy source remains elusive.

Adding to the farmers' concerns are reports suggesting a potential shift in the government's approach. The initial plan involved a centralised bidding process managed by the Water Management Wing of the Punjab Agriculture Department, which was later transferred to the Punjab Energy Department.

Sources say that this transition may have contributed to the current impasse, citing a lack of technical expertise in handling the complex procurement process within the new overseeing body.

Farmers say that there are whispers of a significant policy change, with the government reportedly considering abandoning the centralised bidding altogether in favour of direct subsidy disbursement for agricultural inputs. While the underlying goal of promoting solar energy in agriculture might remain, the uncertainty surrounding the implementation mechanism leaves farmers in a precarious position, unsure of the future of this vital support.

Meanwhile, pre-qualified vendors, who underwent a rigorous and lengthy bidding process and invested significant resources, are also deeply concerned by the delays. Sources claim that these vendors are reportedly preparing to pursue legal action. This development adds another layer of complexity to the already stalled programme, potentially further delaying the much-needed relief for Punjab's farmers.

A spokesman for Provincial Agriculture Department admitted that execution of the project met with certain roadblocks. He, however held Energy Department for the delay. Official recalled that provincial agriculture minister also stressed the need to accelerate implementing of the project in the recent meeting in this regard. Energy Department has been asked to remove bottleneck in this connection.

He added that there has been some progress in execution of the project as 121 installations have been completed lately. He maintained that share of some 3,000 cases have also been submitted.

He expressed the hope that solar tube-well scheme would be executed by end of this fiscal year as agriculture department is trying hard for early implementation of planned project. Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) criticised delay in execution of solar tube-well project. Khalid Khokhar, President PKI alleged that Energy Department mishandled the project badly. He stressed the need to provide solar tube-wells to farmers at the earliest after taking strict action against officials responsible for the delay.