Solar tube well scheme launched

CM Maryam says 8,000 farmers to benefit in first phase

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated a mega project for the solarisation of agricultural tube wells.

The initiative follows the Kisan Card, agri mechanisation and internship programmes for the farmers in the province. The chief minister conducted a draw for the solarisation project, in which Muhammad Nawaz Kankla of Attock became the first successful applicant.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was informed that 8,000 tube wells across Punjab would be converted to solar energy through the draw in the first phase.

An average farmer will save more than Rs350,000 per month by using solar tube well. The chief minister checked the list of successful applicant farmers from Narowal district.

She said, "Punjab government will provide a subsidy of Rs500,000 for a 10kW solar system, Rs750,000 for 15kW solar system and Rs1 million for 20kW for agricultural tube wells."

She added, "The farmers successful in the draw will select the vendors of their districts and get their solar systems installed." More than 530,000 farmers applied under the project and 385,000 of them were declared eligible for the draw.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said 87 per cent of the tube wells to be converted were diesel-powered and 13% electric. She set a target of completing the first phase of the project by June.

She said, "The agricultural tube wells solarisation project will bring a revolution in farming. It will significantly reduce the cost of crop production and make the farmers prosperous."

She underscored, "Every project for the development of agriculture, including Kisan Card, agricultural mechanisation and internship is bringing convenience and improvement in the lives of the farmers."

Defence attachés

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also had a luncheon meeting in the historic Royal Fort with the defence attachés of 16 countries.

The diplomats and their families rode colorful rickshaws to visit the fort and appreciated the world's largest picture wall. They were entertained with the traditional cuisine of Lahore.

The chief minister welcomed the guests from the United States, Russia, Germany, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Libya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nigeria, Bulgaria, Rwanda, Iraq, Tajikistan and the Philippines.

She said on the occasion, "Lahore is not only the heart of Punjab, but also the cultural and historical soul of Pakistan. The history, culture and architecture of Lahore are a manifestation of our great cultural heritage."

She highlighted, "Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort and Shalamar Garden are not just buildings, but reflections of our glorious past." The chief minister said, "The city of Lahore is a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, which is constantly on the path of development. The food and hospitality of Lahoris are exemplary all over the world."

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Lahore has always been a centre of intellectuals, poets and artists. It also has the honour of being home and burial place of the Poet of the East."