CM Punjab Solar Program for Tubewells Phase 2 Launch Date Announced? Get 10 Lakh Rs. Subsidy
CM Punjab Solarization Program for Agricultural Tubewells Phase 2, planned in collaboration with the federal government, targets an additional 10,000 tubewells. The program offers significant subsidies to make solar systems accessible, reducing farmers’ operational costs and enhancing crop yields.
Key Features of the Program
The CM Punjab Solar Program for Tubewells provides comprehensive support to farmers. Below are its main components:
- Subsidies for Solar Systems:
- The Punjab government covers 67–75% of the installation cost, with farmers paying the remaining 25–33% over five years.
- Subsidies are based on the solar system’s capacity:
- 10 kW: PKR 500,000 subsidy.
- 15 kW: PKR 750,000 subsidy.
- 20 kW: PKR 1,000,000 subsidy.
- The total cost of solar systems varies, but farmers’ contributions are significantly reduced due to these subsidies.
- Solarization of Tubewells:
- The program converts both electric and diesel-powered tubewells to solar energy, supporting systems with a power requirement of up to 15–20 kW.
- Solar systems include panels, inverters, batteries, and other necessary components for efficient operation.
- Cost Savings:
- Solar-powered tubewells reduce irrigation costs to approximately PKR 50 per acre, compared to PKR 1,500 for electric tubewells and PKR 3,000 for diesel ones. Farmers can save over PKR 10,000 daily and PKR 350,000 monthly.
- Environmental Benefits:
- By reducing reliance on diesel and electricity, the program lowers carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
- It supports Punjab’s transition to renewable energy, aligning with global climate change goals.
Phase 2 Launch Date
Web sources indicate that Phase 2, involving the solarization of 10,000 additional tubewells with federal collaboration, is expected to begin in July 2025, following the completion of Phase 1 installations. This timeline aligns with the program’s two-year plan (2024–2026) and a budget allocation of PKR 9,887.42 million, including PKR 2,500 million for 2024–25.
Farmers are advised to monitor the official portal (https://cmstp.punjab.gov.pk/) and the Punjab Agriculture Department’s website (https://agripunjab.gov.pk/) for announcements regarding Phase 2’s registration start date.
