Govt approves 420 solar tube wells to support farmers

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Rs2 billion has been allocated for the installation of 320 solar agricultural tube wells in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved installation of 420 solar-powered tube wells to promote affordable and sustainable energy in the agriculture sector.
According to the Agriculture Department on Thursday, the project will be implemented under two separate schemes and is expected to benefit thousands of acres of farmland across the province.
A budget of Rs2 billion has been allocated for the installation of 320 solar agricultural tube wells in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The initiative aims at reducing farming costs, increase agricultural productivity and encourage the use of environmentally friendly energy.
In addition, 100 solar tube wells will be installed in Kohat under a special package costing Rs225 million, providing improved irrigation facilities for local farmers.
The government has also decided to convert 100 existing agricultural tube wells to solar power, significantly reducing electricity and fuel expenses.
To improve water availability in rain-fed areas, 450 recharge wells will be constructed across the province. All recharge wells will be geo-tagged to ensure better monitoring and management of water resources.
The Agriculture Department said that more than 1,100 farmers will benefit from 3,540 kilowatt-hours of free solar energy. Special monitoring devices will also be installed on solar tube wells to prevent water wastage and promote efficient water use.