Punjab Tube Well, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has recently introduced the groundbreaking ‘Kissan Package’ along with the Punjab agriculture tube well solarisation scheme. This initiative is designed to support farmers by reducing the costs of irrigation through the use of solar energy. Here’s everything you need to know to apply for this scheme.
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Overview of the Punjab Tube well Scheme
The solarisation scheme aims to assist farmers owning up to 25 acres of agricultural land. Key highlights include:
- Government Contribution: The government will cover 67% of the project cost, while farmers contribute the remaining 33%.
- First Phase: Around 7,000 punjab tube wells will be converted to solar energy.
- Second Phase: An additional 10,000 tube wells will be solarised with federal government collaboration.
Why Choose Solar Tube Wells?
Switching to solar energy for punjab tube wells has significant benefits:
- Cost Efficiency: Operating a diesel-based tube well costs Rs. 3,000 per acre, while an electric tube well costs Rs. 1,500. However, solar-powered punjab tube wells only cost Rs. 50 per acre.
- Environmental Impact: Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, promoting a greener and more sustainable environment.
The Punjab government aims to modernize the agricultural sector by integrating renewable energy solutions into farming. The solarisation of tube wells is part of a larger initiative to promote sustainable energy and reduce reliance on non-renewable power sources.
Eligibility Criteria for the Solarisation Scheme
To qualify for this program, farmers must meet the following conditions:
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Punjab and provide a valid CNIC and FRC certificate.
- Land Ownership: Farmers must own agricultural land within the revenue boundary of the district where the application is submitted. A copy of Fard-e-Malakiat is required as proof.
- Existing Tube Well Connection: Farmers must have an electric punjab tube well (up to 15 kW power) installed before March 31, 2024.
- Water Table Depth: Tube wells with a water table depth of up to 60 feet are eligible.
- 3-Phase Electrical Connection: Applicants must have a 3-phase electrical connection.
Government Subsidy Categories
The Punjab government offers subsidies based on the solar system’s capacity:
- 10 kW: Rs. 500,000 subsidy
- 15 kW: Rs. 750,000 subsidy
- 20 kW: Rs. 1,000,000 subsidy
Farmers will cover the remaining costs.
How Solar Tube Wells Work & Their Lifespan
Solar-powered tube wells use photovoltaic (PV) panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This energy is then used to pump groundwater for irrigation.
🔸 Lifespan: High-quality solar panels can last 20–25 years with minimal maintenance.
🔸 Efficiency: Solar tube wells work best in sunny regions like Punjab, ensuring consistent energy production.
Application Process
Here’s how you can apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to https://cmstp.punjab.gov.pk/ to access the application form.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide copies of your CNIC, FRC certificate, Fard-e-Malakiat, and the last paid tube well electricity bill.
- Deadline: Submit your application by December 31, 2024.
Challenges Farmers May Face & How to Overcome Them
While the solarisation scheme offers major benefits, some challenges remain:
🚧 High Initial Investment: Even with 67% government subsidy, some farmers may struggle to pay their 33% share.
✅ Solution: The Punjab government is exploring loan options through the Punjab Bank and ZTBL to support farmers.
🚧 Limited Awareness: Some farmers may not be familiar with solar technology.
✅ Solution: The government is conducting training programs to educate farmers on solar system maintenance and usage.
🚧 Seasonal Variations: Solar panels produce less energy during cloudy days or winter.
✅ Solution: Farmers can store excess energy in batteries or use hybrid solar-electric systems.
Additional Support for Farmers
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also announced special packages for vegetable farmers to ensure stable prices for onions, tomatoes, and other essential produce. This initiative aims to boost Punjab’s agricultural development by ensuring farmer welfare.
FAQs
1. What is the deadline to apply for the solarisation scheme?
The deadline to apply for the Punjab agriculture tube well solarisation scheme is December 31, 2024.
Farmers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible because applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, due to high demand, the scheme may reach its full capacity before the deadline.
2. What percentage of the cost does the Punjab government cover?
Under this scheme, the Punjab government will bear 67% of the total cost, while farmers will contribute the remaining 33%.
For example:
- If the total cost of a 10 kW solar system is Rs. 750,000, the government will provide Rs. 500,000, and the farmer will cover Rs. 250,000.
- Similarly, for a 15 kW system, the subsidy is Rs. 750,000, and for a 20 kW system, the subsidy is Rs. 1,000,000.
This cost-sharing structure ensures that farmers receive affordable solar-powered irrigation solutions while still having a sense of ownership over their investment.
3. Can all types of tube wells qualify for this scheme?
No, not all tube wells qualify for this program.
To be eligible, a tube well must meet these conditions:
✔️ It must be an electric-powered tube well with a maximum power of 15 kW.
✔️ The tube well must have been installed before March 31, 2024.
✔️ The water table depth must be 60 feet or less.
✔️ The system must have a 3-phase electrical connection.
Tube wells running on diesel or other fuels are not eligible for this scheme.
4. Where can farmers apply for the Punjab Tube Well Solarisation Scheme?
Eligible farmers can apply through the official website of the Punjab Chief Minister’s Solar Tube Well Program at:
🌐 https://cmstp.punjab.gov.pk/
Applicants must upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
- Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
- Fard-e-Malakiat (Proof of land ownership)
- Latest paid electricity bill of the tube well connection
5. How will the subsidy be provided to farmers?
The Punjab government will directly pay 67% of the cost to the approved solar installation companies. Farmers will only need to pay their 33% share to the selected vendors.
6. Will the solar tube wells be installed immediately after approval?
No, installation will take place in phases.
- In the first phase, 7,000 tube wells will be converted to solar energy.
- In the second phase, another 10,000 tube wells will be solarised with federal government support.
After approval, the installation process will begin within 2 to 3 months, depending on location and vendor availability.
7. Is the subsidy available for farmers growing vegetables?
Yes, apart from the Punjab Tube Well Solarisation Scheme, the Punjab government has also introduced special subsidy packages for vegetable farmers under the Kissan Package.
These subsidies aim to stabilize the prices of onions, tomatoes, and other crops, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.
8. Can farmers with leased land apply for this scheme?
Yes, but only if they provide an official authorization letter from the landowner along with a copy of the property documents (Fard-e-Malakiat).
9. What are the benefits of switching to solar-powered tube wells?
Installing a solar-powered tube well comes with several advantages:
✅ Lower Costs: Farmers save money as solar irrigation is much cheaper than diesel or electricity-powered tube wells.
✅ Eco-Friendly: Solar energy is a renewable and clean energy source, reducing carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels.
✅ Reduced Electricity Bills: Since solar panels generate their own power, farmers no longer need to pay high electricity bills for irrigation.
✅ Independence from Load Shedding: Farmers won’t be affected by power outages, ensuring uninterrupted irrigation for their crops.
10. What happens if a farmer moves to another district after receiving the subsidy?
Once a solar-powered tube well is installed, it is permanently tied to the registered agricultural land. If a farmer moves to another district, the new landowner or tenant will continue using the system.
Conclusion
The Punjab Tube Well Solarisation Scheme is a game-changing initiative that supports farmers by reducing irrigation costs and promoting sustainable agriculture. With generous government subsidies, long-term benefits, and minimal maintenance, solar-powered tube wells are the future of farming in Punjab.
Eligible farmers should apply before December 31, 2024, to take advantage of this opportunity and reduce their dependency on expensive electricity and diesel.
Make sure to submit your application before last date.