The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has released a comprehensive report highlighting the transformative potential of agricultural technology (Agri-Tech) in Pakistan. According to the report, adopting advanced solutions like precision farming, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain could increase crop yields by 30 percent and reduce post-harvest losses by 75 percent, potentially generating an additional $8-10 billion in economic impact annually.
The report emphasizes that Agri-Tech could drastically reduce cultivation losses, enhance farmers’ access to markets, and eliminate inefficiencies in traditional farming practices. Innovations such as cold chains, smart storage systems, solar energy harvesting, and co-storage solutions are projected to lower costs and improve market prices for agricultural products.
Investments and Policy Recommendations
P@SHA has called for significant investments in digital platforms, rural internet connectivity, and farmer training in digital tools and climate-smart practices. The report also recommends providing subsidies for modern farming tools, including IoT devices, as well as offering low-interest loans and tax exemptions for Agri-Tech startups to encourage growth in the sector.
To scale up successful solutions, the report suggests leveraging global best practices to build a resilient, efficient, and sustainable Agri-Tech ecosystem that can meet the needs of Pakistan’s growing population. Public-private partnerships and the establishment of a national regulatory authority to coordinate agricultural policies across provinces are also highlighted as critical steps.
Inclusive Solutions for Farmers
Recognizing that a significant portion of farmers still use basic mobile phones, P@SHA has urged Agri-Tech developers to prioritize SMS-based services for disseminating essential information. Simple SMS alerts for weather updates, market prices, and pest control could have an immediate impact on farmers’ productivity. Additionally, voice-based services in local languages are recommended to ensure inclusivity for farmers with lower literacy levels.
Collaboration and Innovation
The report advocates for collaboration between universities, the private sector, and international experts to innovate and implement cutting-edge solutions. It also highlights the importance of modernizing logistics and digital markets to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Agriculture’s Role in Pakistan’s Economy
With agriculture employing 50 percent of Pakistan’s workforce and contributing 24 percent to the GDP, the report underscores the urgent need to modernize the sector. P@SHA stresses that adopting Agri-Tech solutions is essential to ensuring food security, improving economic sustainability, and meeting the challenges of a growing population.
