solar tube well news
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a one-day visit to Quetta, announced a significant initiative aimed at solarising 28,000 tube wells across Balochistan. This ambitious project, backed by both federal and provincial governments, is designed to provide farmers with cost-effective electricity, ensuring a steady power supply for agricultural activities.
Key Details of the Solarisation Initiative
| Aspect | Details |
| Number of Tube Wells | 28,000 |
| Project Cost | Rs55 billion |
| Federal Government Contribution | 70% of the total cost |
| Implementation Timeline | 3 months |
| Expected Benefits | Continuous electricity supply, reduced losses, and economic savings for farmers |
Details of the Prime Minister’s Visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received at Quetta airport by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail. His visit marked a significant step towards addressing the energy challenges faced by the province’s farmers.
During his address to the Balochistan cabinet, PM Shehbaz outlined the details of the solarisation programme. He explained that the initiative, costing Rs55 billion, would see the federal government covering 70% of the expenses. The prime minister emphasized the need for swift implementation, expressing confidence in CM Bugti’s leadership to deliver the project within three months.
Challenges and Opportunities in Balochistan
PM Shehbaz highlighted the challenges faced by Balochistan’s farmers, noting that the existing tube wells were connected to the power grid but only operational for brief periods—sometimes as little as two hours per day. This limited electricity supply has hindered agricultural productivity and placed a significant financial burden on the federal government, which has been covering the cost of unpaid electricity bills.
The prime minister lamented that the state has lost between Rs70 billion and Rs80 billion in revenue due to non-payment of bills, with an additional Rs500 billion paid out in subsidies. He stressed that these funds could have been better utilized in the province’s development.
The Solarisation Solution
To address these issues, PM Shehbaz announced the decision to disconnect the tube wells from the electrical grid and transition them to solar power. This move is expected to provide farmers with a reliable and affordable energy source, drastically reducing the current financial losses. Solar energy, being the cheapest power source globally, will offer farmers significant savings on electricity costs.
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“Farmers will be able to use the tube wells all day and pay very little for electricity,” the premier assured, noting that this transition will eliminate the Rs80 billion in annual losses currently incurred by the state.
Reform Agenda and National Progress
The solarisation project is part of a broader reform agenda envisioned by Nawaz Sharif, aimed at bringing deep-rooted structural changes to the country’s energy sector. PM Shehbaz emphasized that the responsibility for implementing this project lies with the Balochistan cabinet, encouraging them to explore large-scale procurement of solar panels to maximize cost-efficiency.
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He proposed that instead of directly purchasing panels from a few companies, the cabinet should consider subsidizing farmers to buy them independently, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant savings.
Future Expansion and National Impact
Beyond Balochistan, PM Shehbaz highlighted the potential for expanding the solarisation initiative across the country. He noted that there are still one million tube wells nationwide that operate on oil, costing the state $3.5 billion annually in imports. Transitioning these tube wells to solar power in the future would represent a substantial leap forward in national energy efficiency.
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The prime minister also underscored the importance of Balochistan in Pakistan’s overall progress, stating that the country cannot move forward unless Balochistan advances. He acknowledged the contributions of Punjab to Balochistan’s development, particularly through the 2010 National Finance Commission award.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Balochistan underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing the province’s unique challenges. The solarisation of 28,000 tube wells is set to revolutionize the agricultural sector in Balochistan, providing farmers with a reliable, affordable power source and paving the way for economic growth in the region.
