Adoption Dynamics of Solar Tube Wells: Exploring Incentives and Constraints among Farmers in Gujranwala and Wazirabad, Punjab Pakistan

A field survey was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024–25 across four tehsils of District Gujranwala and Wazirabad (Gujranwala city, Wazirabad, Kamoke, and Nowshera Virkan) to assess the factors influencing the adoption of solar tube wells. Primary data was collected from 80 farmers using a pre-tested questionnaire. Findings revealed that 65% of farmers had adopted solar tube wells to mitigate energy costs, impact of non scheduled loadsheding of electricity, and improve irrigation reliability. The study identified eight key drivers of adoption, including reduced energy cost, government subsidy, environmental benefits, reliable water availability, long-term savings, easy operation, enhanced crop productivity, and improved sustainability. However, adoption is constrained by some major issues: high initial cost, theft risk, lack of technical knowledge, harsh weather damage, limited financing options, maintenance issues, low awareness, and unavailability of repair services. Results suggest that targeted financial incentives, training programs, and local service support are essential to accelerate solar energy adoption in the agricultural sector of Punjab.