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. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #Pakistan #Punjab #SolarPoweredFarming #PakistanGroundwater #PakistanWaterCrisis #GroundwaterDepletion #ClimateChange #RenewableEnergy #SustainableFarming #Agriculture