Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a technological revolution in Pakistan’s agriculture sector, urging authorities to leverage artificial intelligence and international expertise to address long-standing challenges. The directive, issued during a high-level review meeting in Islamabad, underscores the urgency of modernizing a sector that employs 37% of the national workforce but grapples with declining productivity and climate vulnerabilities.
Pakistan’s agriculture sector, contributing nearly a quarter of the country’s GDP, has been hampered by low per-acre yields, water inefficiency, and outdated farming practices. The lack of mechanization and real-time crop data has further exacerbated the situation, leaving farmers ill-equipped to deal with pests, soil health issues, and erratic weather patterns. The Prime Minister’s push for AI-powered tools, such as satellite imaging and predictive analytics, aims to optimize resource use, improve forecasting, and boost productivity.
The implications of this technological overhaul are far-reaching. By adopting precision irrigation systems and climate-resistant seeds, Pakistan can mitigate the impacts of climate change, which have been particularly severe in provinces like Sindh and Balochistan. Moreover, the integration of biofuels into the country’s energy mix could diversify energy sources and create new revenue streams for farmers.
The Prime Minister’s call for a comprehensive action plan, encompassing advanced machinery, quality seeds, and easy loans for farmers, signals a commitment to long-term structural reforms. The emphasis on public-private partnerships and the inclusion of farmers in the policy process highlights the need for a collaborative approach to drive innovation and ensure the effective rollout of reforms.
However, the success of these initiatives will hinge on the government’s ability to strengthen coordination with provincial authorities and secure buy-in from key stakeholders. As Pakistan stands at the crossroads of agricultural transformation, the effective harnessing of technology and international expertise could well determine the future trajectory of its economy and food security.