The Punjab government has launched a groundbreaking Tube Well Solarisation Scheme under the historic ‘Kissan Package’ to support the agricultural sector. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced this initiative to ease the financial burden on farmers by transitioning their diesel and electricity-operated tube wells to solar energy.
This transformative program will help thousands of farmers in Punjab by significantly reducing their irrigation costs. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable energy use, and provide much-needed financial relief to farmers.
Key Features of the Punjab Tube Well Solarisation Scheme
- Eligibility: Farmers with up to 2 acres of agricultural land can apply.
- Government Subsidy: The Punjab government will cover 67% of the project cost, while farmers will pay only 33%.
- Implementation Phases:
- Phase 1: 7,000 tube wells will be converted to solar energy.
- Phase 2: With federal government support, an additional 10,000 tube wells will be solarised.
- Cost Reduction:
- Running a tube well on diesel costs around Rs. 3,000 per acre.
- Using electricity costs Rs. 1,500 per acre.
- Solar-powered tube wells will cost only Rs. 50 per acre, providing a massive reduction in expenses for farmers.
Government Support and Subsidy Details
The Punjab government will provide financial support in three categories based on the power capacity of the tube wells:
| Tube Well Power Capacity | Subsidy Provided |
|---|---|
| 10 kW | Rs. 500,000 |
| 15 kW | Rs. 750,000 |
| 20 kW | Rs. 1,000,000 |
Farmers will be responsible for covering the remaining cost after applying the subsidy.
Eligibility Criteria for Farmers
To qualify for this scheme, farmers must meet the following requirements:
- Residency Requirement:
- The applicant must be a resident of Punjab.
- Attach a copy of a valid CNIC and FRC certificate from NADRA.
- Only one farmer per family is eligible.
- Land Ownership:
- The applicant must own agricultural land in the same district where they apply.
- A copy of valid CNIC and Fard-e-Malakiat must be submitted as proof of ownership.
- Electric Tube Well Requirement:
- The farmer must own an electric tube well with a power requirement up to 15 kW.
- The last paid bill of the electric tube well connection must be submitted.
- Defaulters or non-payers will not be considered.
- Installation Date Criteria:
- The tube well electricity connection must have been installed on or before March 31, 2024.
- Water Table Depth:
- The tube well must have a water table depth of up to 60 feet.
- Electrical Connection:
- A 3-phase electrical connection is required for eligibility.
How to Apply for the Punjab Tube Well Solarisation Scheme?
Farmers interested in availing this government-supported solarisation program can follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: https://cmstp.punjab.gov.pk/
- Register Online: Fill out the online application form with the necessary details.
- Attach Required Documents: Submit scanned copies of your CNIC, land ownership documents, and tube well electricity bill.
- Submit Application: Once all details and documents are uploaded, submit your application before the deadline.
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Application Deadline
The last date to apply for this scheme is 06 January 2025. Farmers must ensure they submit their applications before this date to avail the subsidy.
Government’s Vision for Farmers’ Welfare
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized that Punjab’s prosperity and development are linked to farmers’ well-being. The solarisation initiative aligns with the government’s broader mission to boost agricultural productivity and reduce farmers’ dependence on expensive fuel sources.
Additionally, the Punjab government is working on special support packages for vegetable farmers, focusing on supply chain management for onions, tomatoes, and essential vegetables. These initiatives aim to stabilize prices, ensure food security, and uplift the agricultural community.
Conclusion
The Punjab Tube Well Solarisation Scheme is a game-changer for farmers, ensuring affordable and sustainable irrigation. By significantly cutting down operational costs, this initiative will enhance farm productivity, increase profitability, and promote environment-friendly farming practices.
Act now! Apply before December 31, 2024, and switch to a cost-effective, solar-powered irrigation system.
For further details, contact the Punjab Agriculture Helpline at 0800-17000 or visit https://cmstp.punjab.gov.pk/.