Pakistan’s agriculture sector is witnessing a historic transformation as solar energy has officially surpassed diesel to become the country’s leading source of power for irrigation.
According to the 7th Agricultural Census 2024, solar-powered tubewells and lift pumps now account for the largest share of irrigation systems, reflecting the rapid adoption of renewable energy by farmers across the country.
The growing shift to solar is significantly reducing farmers’ dependence on expensive diesel, helping lower operating costs while providing a more reliable and sustainable source of energy for irrigation.
As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, solar-powered systems are enabling growers to irrigate their fields more efficiently without the burden of rising fuel expenses, ultimately supporting higher productivity and improved profitability.
The census recorded approximately 1.29 million solar-powered irrigation systems, surpassing 1.1 million diesel-powered units and 830,000 electric-powered systems. The figures highlight a major change in Pakistan’s farming landscape, with renewable energy playing an increasingly important role in modernizing agriculture, improving energy security, and promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices across the country.
