The agriculture sector accounts for approximately 1.5% of total final energy consumption in Pakistan. However, with increasing mechanization, the use of commercial energy in agriculture is steadily rising, particularly in irrigation and farm machinery operations.
Energy use in agriculture is largely inefficient, especially in irrigation systems powered by diesel and electric pumps. More than 90% of agricultural energy consumption comes from electricity, while the remaining share is dominated by High-Speed Diesel.
As mechanized farming practices expand, addressing energy inefficiencies is critical to controlling costs, improving productivity, and ensuring long-term sustainability for farmers.
Water pumps and tractors are among the largest energy consumers in the agriculture sector. Implementing energy-efficient designs for tube wells and adopting modern, advanced farm machinery can deliver substantial energy savings.
These improvements enable farmers to reduce energy costs, increase crop yields, improve profitability, and strengthen overall farm resilience.
Tractors and tube wells are essential agricultural assets, and their energy consumption represents a significant portion of input costs. By introducing and enforcing energy standards for agricultural machinery, farmers can lower production costs, improve profit margins, and enhance livelihoods across rural communities.
Post-harvest losses remain a major challenge, with an estimated 25% of fruits and vegetables lost annually due to inadequate storage and handling conditions.
Energy-efficient cold storage facilities can significantly reduce energy costs, minimize food losses, and preserve the value of agricultural produce, resulting in millions of dollars in savings.
NEECA plays a vital role in promoting energy efficiency in the agriculture sector through initiatives such as Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for electric motors and tube wells.
NEECA is also promoting the solarization of tube wells and water pumps to provide cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. Training programs and technical support further help farmers adopt modern, energy-efficient practices.
Farmers and stakeholders can support energy efficiency by maintaining machinery regularly, using electricity during off-peak hours, and adopting energy-efficient technologies. Solar-powered water pumps, tune-up centers for tractors and tube wells, and compliance with energy efficiency standards are key milestones toward sustainable agriculture.
By embracing energy efficiency and partnering with NEECA, Pakistan’s agriculture sector can reduce costs, increase productivity, and move toward a more energy-smart and prosperous future.
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