QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Wednesday announced a Rs 50 billion project for solarization of around 27,000 registered agricultural tube-wells in the province to facilitate the farmers and boost the agricultural sector. “It is a historic achievement of the provincial government that pursued the Federal Government and got approved the multi-billion uplift project. Thanks to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif who paid heed to our demands,” he said while addressing a press conference soon after reaching Quetta after successful discussions in Islamabad.
The delegation of parliamentarians led by Chief Minister Bugti visited Islamabad and successfully persuaded the Federal Government to address a crucial agricultural sector issue by promoting the solarization of agriculture tube-wells. As per mutually agreed formula, the CM said, the Federal Government would pay Rs 40 billion and the provincial government contribute Rs 10 billion for the solarization project as an alternative solution to the growing power shortage. He said he had issued directives to the Chief Secretary to formulate a comprehensive plan within three days so that the project could be started at the earliest.
“From tonight, the QESCO (Quetta Electricity Supply Company) will provide 6 hours electricity to the agricultural tube-wells until the completion of the solarization project. Rs 4 billion has been allocated for the purpose which will be shared equally by federal and provincial governments,” he added. –Agencies
