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ISLAMABAD: The USAID Pakistan is helping farmers replace their outdated irrigation pumps with more efficient models to reduce energy use and agricultural production costs.
More than 1,200 farmers have benefited from the USAID’s recently launched programme for farmers. The initiative is one of several Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had announced in 2009 to support Pakistan’s efforts to reduce energy shortages in the country, says a press release issued by the US embassy here on Wednesday.
“These efforts are part of the United States’ commitment to help build a stronger, more energy independent Pakistan,” said Dr Andrew Sisson, director of the USAID office in Pakistan.
Through the programme, the US government helps farmers replace thousands of poorly functioning irrigation pumps by funding half of the cost of the replacement and helping farmers access financing for the remainder.
Using energy efficient pumps, farmers are able to use at least 20 per cent less electricity to extract the same amount of water.
“I saved 40 per cent on my electricity bill,” says farmer Haji Saeed from Southern Punjab, who has replaced his pump with USAID support a couple of months ago. “I will be able to spend more on seed and fertiliser and increase my income.” The agriculture sector is the third largest consumer of electricity in the country. Outdated irrigation pumps account for the largest share of that consumption.
The programme aims to help reduce energy consumption by at least 45 MW – the amount produced by a small power plant.
