ISLAMABAD, July 25 (ABC): Pakistan has completed a six-year rice productivity enhancement project in Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The initiative introduced modern farm machinery, water-saving technologies and improved rice varieties to help narrow the gap between actual and potential yields.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the government adopted an integrated approach that focused on modern technology, research and development, better access to quality inputs and farmer capacity building. The measures were implemented under the mega PSDP project titled “Productivity Enhancement of Rice” during 2019-2025.
Modern farming practices
The project promoted farm mechanisation through laser land levellers, mechanical rice transplanters and combine harvesters. Farmers received these machines on a 50% cost-sharing basis to encourage the adoption of modern rice production methods and improve field efficiency.
According to the documents, the programme also promoted smart agriculture practices. These included precision farming, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to improve crop management and enhance productivity.
Improved rice varieties
The government supported the development and introduction of high-yielding, disease-resistant and climate-resilient rice varieties through advanced research initiatives.
These efforts aimed to improve crop productivity while strengthening the resilience of rice cultivation against climate-related challenges.
Water-saving technologies
Water management remained another major focus of the project.
The programme promoted alternate wetting and drying, drip irrigation and solarisation of tube wells to improve water-use efficiency. These measures support higher productivity while conserving water in rice cultivation.
International collaboration
The project also strengthened international cooperation.
According to the documents, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and China supported technology transfer and the adoption of modern rice production practices in Pakistan.
