How to Apply for Solar Panels on Subsidized Rates in Sindh
KARACHI: The Sindh government has officially rolled out a solar panel subsidy scheme for farmers, aimed at cutting energy costs and promoting sustainable agriculture across the province.
The initiative, announced by Sindh’s Minister for Agriculture, Anti-Corruption, and Sports, Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, will benefit thousands of small and medium-scale farmers who often struggle with the rising costs of electricity and irrigation.
Who Can Apply?
According to the provincial government, farmers owning between 5 to 25 acres of agricultural land are eligible to apply for the scheme. The idea is to target small and medium landholders who form the backbone of Sindh’s farming sector.
Key Features of the Scheme
- A total of 295 solar-powered irrigation units will be installed across 4,000 acres of farmland.
- The cost-sharing model requires farmers to pay 20% of the total expense, while the Sindh government will cover the remaining 80%.
- The installation is designed to help farmers reduce their dependence on conventional grid electricity and expensive diesel generators.
Deadline for Applications
Farmers interested in availing the scheme must submit their applications by September 20 at the Director General Agriculture Office, Hyderabad.
Broader Renewable Energy Drive
This subsidy scheme is part of the Sindh government’s broader push toward renewable energy adoption. Apart from helping farmers, the government also announced a program to provide free solar panels to households consuming up to 100 units of electricity per month.
Under this plan, 200,000 homes are set to receive solar panels. So far, 77,000 households have already been equipped with the systems, while 123,000 more families will get panels in the upcoming phase. If applications exceed the quota, distribution will be decided through a lottery mechanism.
Why This Matters
Agriculture in Sindh has long suffered due to power shortages, high energy costs, and unreliable supply. Experts say that introducing solar-powered irrigation systems can significantly cut costs for farmers, enhance crop yields, and promote sustainable farming practices in the long term.
By subsidizing 80% of the costs, the government is signaling a shift toward clean energy solutions and attempting to relieve financial pressure on the rural economy.
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