Punjab Launches Solar Tubewell Scheme 2026 – Farmers to Get Up to 80% Subsidy
To modernise agriculture and reduce farmers’ dependence on expensive diesel and electricity, the Government of Punjab has officially launched the Solar Tubewell Scheme 2026 under the Chief Minister Solarization Program for Agricultural Tubewells.
This expanded initiative aims to provide heavy subsidies of up to 75%–80% to farmers for converting their diesel or electric tubewells to solar-powered systems, helping them cut irrigation costs and increase farm profitability.
The Phase 2 rollout for 2025–2026 is a major step forward in sustainable farming and energy independence for Punjab’s agriculture sector.
Punjab Solar Tubewell Scheme 2026 – Overview
Under Phase 2, the Punjab government plans to solarize 10,000 additional agricultural tubewells, up from 8,000 tubewells in Phase 1.
Key Highlights
- Scheme Name: Chief Minister Solarization Program for Agricultural Tubewells
- Phase: Phase 2 (2025–2026)
- Target: 10,000 tubewells
- Total Budget: Rs. 9.88 billion
- Subsidy: Up to 75%–80%
- Farmer Payment: In easy installments over 5 years
This scheme directly supports small and medium farmers struggling with rising fuel and electricity prices.
Why Punjab Introduced the Solar Tubewell Scheme
Agriculture in Punjab heavily depends on tubewell irrigation. However, rising diesel prices and electricity tariffs have significantly increased farming costs.
Major Problems Farmers Face
- High diesel prices
- Expensive electricity bills
- Load shedding and power shortages
- Rising production costs
The Solar Tubewell Scheme 2026 addresses all these challenges by shifting irrigation to renewable solar energy.
Subsidy Structure – Farmers to Receive Up to 75%–80%
The Punjab government offers a heavy subsidy based on the solar system’s kilowatt (kW) capacity.
While some regional programs offer up to 80% subsidy, the standard provincial subsidy ranges between 67% and 75%, with the remaining cost paid by farmers in installments.
Solar Tubewell Subsidy Details 2026
| System Capacity | Government Subsidy | Estimated Farmer Share |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kW System | Rs. 500,000 | ~Rs. 165,000 – 250,000 |
| 15 kW System | Rs. 750,000 | ~Rs. 250,000 – 375,000 |
| 20 kW System | Rs. 1,000,000 | ~Rs. 330,000 – 500,000 |
💡 Farmer payments can be made in flexible installments over five years, reducing financial pressure.
Eligibility Criteria for Punjab Solar Tubewell Scheme 2026
To qualify for Phase 2, applicants must meet the following updated eligibility requirements:
1. Residency Requirement
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab
- Must possess a valid CNIC
2. Land Ownership
- Must own at least 1 acre of agricultural land
- Land must be located in the same district where application is submitted
3. Existing Tubewell
- Applicant must already have a functional diesel or electric tubewell
4. Technical Requirements
- For electric tubewells:
- 3-phase electricity connection
- Installed before October 2024
5. Water Table Condition
- Water table depth should generally not exceed 60 feet
- This ensures optimal solar performance
6. Non-Defaulter Status
- Applicant must not be a defaulter of:
- Electricity bills
- Government agricultural loans
Meeting all these conditions is mandatory for approval.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Solar Tubewell Scheme
The Punjab Agriculture Department has simplified the application process through a dedicated online portal.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official website:
https://agriculture.punjab.gov.pk - Open the Solar Tubewell Scheme section
- Register using your CNIC and mobile number
- Fill in personal, land, and tubewell details
- Upload required documents
- Submit the application
- Track status online or via SMS
After verification, eligible farmers are shortlisted and guided for installation.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants usually need:
- CNIC copy
- Land ownership documents
- Tubewell ownership proof
- Electricity bill (if electric tubewell)
- Recent photograph
Ensuring correct documents speeds up approval.
Installation and Payment Process
Once approved:
- Government-approved vendors install the solar system
- Farmers pay their share in installments over 5 years
- Regular inspections ensure system performance
This transparent model prevents misuse and ensures quality installations.
Impact of Solar Tubewells on Farming Costs
Switching to solar energy drastically reduces irrigation expenses.
Cost Comparison
- Diesel Irrigation:
~Rs. 3,000 per acre - Solar Irrigation:
~Rs. 50 per acre (maintenance only)
Daily Savings
- Farmers report up to Rs. 10,000 daily savings during peak irrigation seasons
These savings directly increase farm income.
Environmental Benefits of Solar Tubewell Scheme
Besides financial relief, the scheme supports environmental sustainability.
Key Environmental Advantages
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Less diesel consumption
- Lower air and noise pollution
- Sustainable water management
Punjab’s shift toward solar irrigation aligns with global climate goals.
How Solar Tubewells Improve Productivity
With uninterrupted solar power:
- Farmers irrigate fields on time
- Crop stress is reduced
- Yields improve
- Cropping cycles become more efficient
This makes solar tubewells a long-term productivity investment.
Government Support and Farmer Assistance
The Punjab government has set up multiple support channels.
Key Contacts
- Kissan Helpline: 0800-17000 (Toll-Free)
- Official Website: agriculture.punjab.gov.pk
- Physical Support:
Deputy Director Agriculture (Water Management) office in your district
Farmers can get help with eligibility, application, and installation.
Why Phase 2 Is More Important Than Phase 1
Phase 2 expands coverage and improves subsidy mechanisms.
Improvements in Phase 2
- Increased tubewell target
- Simplified online process
- Better vendor monitoring
- More farmer awareness
This ensures wider and fairer access.
Who Should Apply for Solar Tubewell Scheme 2026?
This scheme is ideal for:
- Small and medium farmers
- Diesel-dependent tubewell owners
- Areas with electricity shortages
- Farmers aiming to cut irrigation costs
If you meet eligibility, applying early increases selection chances.
Challenges and Considerations
While highly beneficial, farmers should consider:
- Initial contribution amount
- Proper system maintenance
- Water table limitations
With proper planning, benefits far outweigh challenges.
Future of Solar Agriculture in Punjab
The Solar Tubewell Scheme 2026 is part of Punjab’s long-term agricultural modernization strategy.
Future plans may include:
- Solar cold storage
- Solar-powered drip irrigation
- Expanded renewable subsidies
Punjab is steadily moving toward climate-smart agriculture.
Conclusion
The Punjab Solar Tubewell Scheme 2026 is a game-changing initiative offering up to 80% subsidy to farmers for solarizing agricultural tubewells. With massive cost savings, easy installments, and environmental benefits, this program provides a sustainable solution to rising irrigation expenses.
Farmers who meet eligibility criteria should apply promptly to take full advantage of this opportunity and secure their agricultural future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much subsidy is offered under the Solar Tubewell Scheme 2026?
Farmers receive 67%–75% subsidy, with some areas offering up to 80%.
2. Who can apply for the Punjab Solar Tubewell Scheme?
Punjab residents owning at least 1 acre of land with an existing tubewell.
3. Is installment payment available?
Yes, the farmer’s share can be paid over five years.
4. What is the maximum system size supported?
Up to 20 kW solar systems.
5. How much money can farmers save daily?
Farmers report savings of up to Rs. 10,000 per day during peak seasons.
