Pakistan’s solar-powered farming surge sparks water sustainability fears

Farmers in Punjab, Pakistan, are turning to solar energy to power their irrigation needs, marking a significant shift in the region’s agricultural practices.
Once reliant on diesel pumps, many farmers have sold assets, including livestock, to invest in low-cost Chinese solar panels.
While the technology has led to increased crop yields and substantial profits for farmers, it has also contributed to a drastic depletion of the groundwater table, with officials warning of severe shortages in major cities.
The solar panel boom has not only transformed farming but also spurred a thriving trade, as demand rises among farmers eager to tap into the benefits of renewable energy.
However, the unsustainable extraction of water raises concerns about the long-term impact on the region's water resources.

Al Jazeera’s Hamza Mohamed reports.

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Post from Al Jazeera on October 05, 2025

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