Tube wells’ solarisation govt’s top priority: Kirmani

LAHORE:Punjab Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani has reaffirmed that the Solarisation of Agricultural Tube wells Programme remains a top priority of the Punjab government.

Speaking at a key review meeting here Monday regarding the Chief Minister’s ‘Solarisation of Agricultural Tube wells’ programme, the minister stated that under this programme, 8,000 electric and diesel-powered tube-wells across Punjab are being converted to solar energy.

This initiative aims to reduce the cost burden on farmers related to diesel and electricity bills. The programme is being improved through consultations with all stakeholders to ensure that farmers can access solar solutions at affordable prices. The Punjab government is providing subsidies to farmers selected through a transparent balloting process.

It was informed in the meeting attended by Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo and Secretary Energy Punjab Dr Naeem. Special teams from the Agriculture Department will conduct site pre-inspections in the first phase of the programme.

Later, third-party verification will be carried out through consultants of the Energy Department to ensure proper installation of solar panels and related materials. On this occasion, the minister issued directives to complete the entire process as quickly as possible.

Later, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a meeting was held at Agriculture House regarding the wheat procurement plan in the province.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Punjab, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, and Secretary Price Control Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti. Special Assistant for Price Control, Salma Butt joined the meeting via a video link.

During the session, the minister was briefed by the Secretary for Price Control and Commodities Management on the current wheat procurement policy. The minister emphasised that every possible step is being taken under the directions of the chief minister to ensure farmers receive the best prices for their wheat crops.

As part of the farmer-friendly initiatives of the Punjab government, the e-Warehouse Receipt (e-WR) System has been introduced for the convenience of wheat growers. Furthermore, a PKR5,000 per acre support programme has been launched by the Punjab government. To ensure immediate wheat procurement, a credit line of PKR100 billion has also been activated for flour mills and licenced grain traders.