Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday directed the Power Division and the provincial government of Balochistan to devise a comprehensive strategy for shifting agricultural tube wells to solar energy, which would ensure cost-effective electricity supply to farmers in the province.
Chairing a high-level meeting, the minister discussed matters related to switching over electric agricultural tube wells to solar energy for cheap and uninterrupted power supply to farmers in Balochistan, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Planning. Ahsan Iqbal said that all resources were being utilised to ensure the timely completion of federal development projects and emphasised that the well-being of the people of Balochistan was the government’s top priority.
He reiterated the federal government’s resolve to accelerate work on converting tube wells to solar power to meet energy demand of the farming community and facilitate sustainable agricultural development.
Addressing the challenges of electricity theft and the lack of bill recoveries, which led to the disruption in power generation and transmission and were the major causes of load-shedding, the minister called for taking legal measures against those involved in electricity theft.
He also stressed the importance of launching an awareness campaign against electricity stealing and to ensure timely payment of consumer bills.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, while speaking at the meeting, said that the farming community in the province faced various problems, including inadequate electricity supply and load-shedding, which negatively impacted the agriculture sector.
To meet the energy needs, the CM emphasised the importance of adopting alternative sources of energy, adding that solar-powered harvesting and solar tube wells could help improve the agriculture sector.
He said that the provincial government would take appropriate measures to curb electricity theft and ensure smooth power supply to the farming community.
Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Power Division secretary along with senior federal and provincial government officials were present in the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2024.
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