Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a landmark initiative to solarize 27,000 tubewells in Balochistan, a move that is expected to revolutionize the agriculture sector in the province. During his day-long visit to Quetta, the Prime Minister met with the governor and chief minister of Balochistan to discuss the law-and-order situation and other pressing matters.
The solarization project, which is a first of its kind in Pakistan, aims to provide affordable irrigation solutions to farmers in Balochistan. The province’s rugged terrain and arid climate have long posed challenges to agricultural practices, with farmers struggling to access reliable water sources. The project will not only benefit farmers but also help the government save billions in electricity costs.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the federal government has paid a staggering Rs500 billion ($1.8 million) in electricity bills for Balochistan’s tubewells over the past decade. The solarization project will terminate electric connections for these tubewells and replace them with solar connections, providing farmers with a cheaper and more sustainable source of energy.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that the project will have a transformative impact on Balochistan’s agriculture sector, enabling farmers to irrigate their lands more efficiently and effectively. The solar energy generated will be the cheapest in the world, making it a game-changer for the province’s agricultural landscape.
The project is a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to promote sustainable development and reduce Pakistan’s reliance on fossil fuels. With the center paying 30 percent of the project’s cost and the provincial government covering the remaining 70 percent, this historic initiative is set to bring relief to Balochistan’s farmers and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
