The Punjab government announced a 50 percent subsidy for installing solar power for all irrigation systems across the country. This is a brilliant initiative especially considering that Pakistan receives more than eight hours of direct sunlight on most days. There will be problems pertaining to educating local farmers on its usage and upkeep, but this is a minor inconvenience in the face of a more sustainable future.

According to details released, the government allocated Rs.3.67 billion for the installation of a solar energy system for all irrigation machines in Punjab. This will replace the traditional machinery that uses more diesel and consequently, produces a larger carbon footprint. Furthermore, it will ensure that water is used more responsibly as the system is designed in a way to dispense water when the crop needs it the most, during day-time. Considering that the agricultural sector is one of the prime contributors to the economy and environment, revamping it will surely have a positive effect on the country.

Even inter-provincial conflicts over water may ebb due to the fact that water will be used much more responsibly, therefore complaints regarding allocation not being enough may be resolved entirely. For this to work, all other provinces would also have to adopt the solar energy system. Reassuringly, it is only a matter of time. The only factor to consider is waiting long enough to let farmers evolve their ways so that dispensing this technology across the country is not as much of a daunting task as it seems.

It appears that we are taking all the steps in the right direction. The Punjab government must ensure that it stays the course and sees through to its full potential so that Pakistan can become a greener and more sustainable country.