Cabinet Committee reviews perposals for solar energy projects

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Agriculture Dr. Farrukh Javed presided over a meeting of cabinet committee to review the proposals for provision of solar energy panels and biogas in all the districts. The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Energy Sher Ali Khan, Additional Secretary Agriculture, Director Generals of Agriculture Department and members of cabinet committee.

The meeting considered proposals for provision of subsidy on alternate sources of energy like Biogas and solar energy panels to small farmers. It was suggested that 75% subsidy should be given to small farmers on biogas plant up to 40 cubic meters. The government would spent an amount of Rs.3075 million on bio mass plant costing Rs. 8 to 10 lakh besides five thousand tube-wells will be installed in all the districts of the province during next five years. The Agriculture Minister told that this project is for the farmers having five to 12.5 acres of land while subsidy would also be provided to the farmers having 25 to 50 acres of land for setting up bio gas plants.

The Minister for Energy Sher Ali Khan said that besides providing subsidy, the farmers would also be provided training. According to the experts, solar energy panels are the best source of energy during 300 days of the year wherein we can take full advantage of 6 to 8 hours heat of the Sun for which the government would provide 80% subsidy.