ISLAMABAD, March 24 (ABC): The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has proposed a Rs990 million project to promote smart farming technologies and strengthen local agricultural machinery production.
The ministry plans to launch the project titled “Establishment of Digital and Precision Agriculture Mechanisation Facility at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC).” The Agricultural Engineering Institute (AEI), NARC, Islamabad, will execute the project, according to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan.
The project will run for five years, from July 2026 to June 2031. It aims to expand agricultural mechanisation and promote precision farming.
Alignment with national priorities
The project supports key national frameworks. These include the 5Es Framework, the 13th Five-Year Plan, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Programme (NAIGP).
It aims to promote efficient use of resources. It will support smallholder mechanisation and strengthen the National Agricultural Research System. The project will also encourage import substitution and support agri-SMEs and local manufacturers.
Facility upgrades
The project will upgrade three facilities: a design lab, a prototype workshop, and a testing lab.
Engineers will equip the design lab with 3D scanning, computer-aided design (CAD), and simulation tools. These tools will improve product design and testing.
The team will modernise the prototype workshop with Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and laser-cutting systems. These upgrades will improve machinery development and evaluation.
Advanced technologies focus
The project will promote the use of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and robotics in agriculture.
The team will establish a dedicated UAV and agricultural robotics facility. This facility will support manufacturing and system integration.
Researchers will design and test at least five agricultural machine prototypes under the project.
Capacity building and impact
The project will focus on capacity building. Organisers will conduct at least 10 training activities, including workshops, training sessions, and farmer field days.
These activities will help farmers, manufacturers, and researchers improve their skills.
The project will support value-added production and create technical jobs. It will also strengthen local manufacturing capacity.
More than 500 stakeholders will benefit from training and knowledge-sharing activities. These include farmers, manufacturers, and researchers.