The Punjab government has launched Phase II of its Solar Pump Scheme, aiming to solarize 8,000 agricultural tube wells to promote sustainable farming. Led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the initiative offers free solar systems to farmers, reducing electricity costs and carbon emissions. The program builds on Phase I’s success, enhancing irrigation efficiency and supporting Punjab’s green energy goals.
Punjab Advances Sustainable Agriculture with Solar Pump Scheme Phase II
The Punjab government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has rolled out Phase II of the ambitious Solar Pump Scheme as part of its 2025 Solarization Program. This initiative targets the conversion of 8,000 agricultural tube wells to solar energy, providing farmers with free solar systems to power irrigation. The scheme aims to alleviate the burden of rising electricity costs while promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices.
Launched to address the energy challenges faced by Punjab’s agricultural sector, the program builds on the success of Phase I, which solarized thousands of tube wells across the province. The government’s focus is to empower farmers by reducing dependency on grid-based electricity and diesel-powered pumps, which are both costly and environmentally damaging. By transitioning to solar energy, the scheme ensures reliable irrigation, especially in rural areas where power supply can be inconsistent.
Eligible farmers must be permanent residents of Punjab, hold a valid CNIC, and own 1 to 50 acres of verified farmland as per the Punjab Land Records Authority. The registration process is streamlined through an online portal (cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk) or via SMS to 8800, ensuring accessibility for rural farmers. Over 861,000 households applied for the broader solarization program by January 2025, with digital balloting in March 2025 selecting 94,483 beneficiaries for Phase I of the related Roshan Gharana Program, demonstrating the government’s commitment to transparency.
The Solar Pump Scheme aligns with national initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), launched in 2019 to promote solar-powered irrigation across India. However, Punjab’s program stands out for its scale and zero-cost model for farmers. The initiative not only reduces electricity bills but also allows farmers to contribute surplus power to the grid under net metering arrangements, potentially generating additional income.
While the scheme promises significant benefits, challenges remain. A 2023 report by the Central Ground Water Board highlighted that Punjab is among the states with overexploited groundwater reserves, raising concerns about the sustainability of irrigation practices. Experts suggest that without proper monitoring, solar pumps could exacerbate groundwater depletion. The Punjab government has yet to outline specific measures to address this issue in Phase II, but officials emphasize that the program includes guidelines to promote responsible water usage.
The initiative also complements other green energy efforts in Punjab, such as the conversion of schools and colleges to solar power and the Roshan Gharana Program, which aims to provide 100,000 low-income households with free solar systems. Phase II of the Solar Pump Scheme is expected to roll out post-July 2025, with further details on registration to be announced. By integrating renewable energy into agriculture, Punjab is positioning itself as a leader in India’s clean energy transition, aiming to enhance food security and reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from recent reports, government announcements, and web-based resources, including jbms.pk and other news outlets. The data reflects developments as of July 3, 2025. Readers are advised to verify eligibility and application details through official government portals.