Solar Energy Becomes Pakistan’s Leading Power Source for Farm Irrigation
Pakistan’s agricultural sector is undergoing a major transformation as solar energy has overtaken diesel as the country’s largest source of power for farm irrigation, according to findings from the 7th Agricultural Census 2024 released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The census shows a significant decline in the use of diesel-powered tubewells and lift pumps over the past two decades, reflecting changing energy choices among farmers across the country.
Diesel Use Declines Sharply
According to the census, the number of diesel-powered tubewells and lift pumps dropped by 36 percent, falling from 833,953 units in 2004 to 530,500 units in 2024.
During the same period, the total number of irrigation pumps in Pakistan nearly doubled, increasing by 97 percent to 1.83 million units. This indicates that while farmers continued expanding irrigation capacity, many shifted away from diesel-powered equipment.
Solar Takes the Lead
Solar-powered irrigation systems have emerged as the largest energy source for farm irrigation in Pakistan.
The census recorded 959,865 solar-powered units, including 912,327 solar tubewells and 47,538 solar lift pumps, accounting for approximately 52 percent of all irrigation units nationwide.
In contrast, solar-powered irrigation systems were not recorded in the 2004 agricultural machinery census, highlighting the rapid growth of renewable energy adoption in the farming sector.
Electricity Also Expands
The number of electricity-powered irrigation units also increased significantly, rising by 320 percent to 407,887 units.
Despite this growth, many farmers continue to face challenges related to electricity availability and rising power costs in rural areas, making solar energy an increasingly attractive alternative.
Provincial Trends
Punjab, which has the largest number of irrigation pumps in the country, has led the transition toward solar-powered irrigation. The province now operates hundreds of thousands of solar-powered tubewells, significantly outnumbering diesel-powered systems.
Sindh has also witnessed strong growth in solar irrigation, where solar-powered tubewells now exceed diesel-powered units.
However, diesel remains the primary energy source in several remote areas.
In Balochistan, diesel continues to power the majority of irrigation tubewells due to limited electricity infrastructure and the need to pump groundwater from greater depths. Similarly, diesel remains widely used in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where access to reliable electricity is more limited.
Benefits and Future Challenges
The increasing adoption of solar-powered irrigation is helping farmers reduce fuel expenses while lowering dependence on imported petroleum products. It also provides greater protection against fluctuations in diesel prices and helps reduce agricultural operating costs.
At the same time, experts note that the rapid expansion of solar-powered pumping systems could increase pressure on groundwater resources, as lower operating costs may encourage greater water extraction.
The latest agricultural census highlights one of Pakistan’s most significant energy transitions in recent decades, while also underscoring the importance of sustainable groundwater management as solar irrigation continues to expand.
