AVN Report
KARACHI: Through product innovation and technological integration in farming practices, Pakistan’s crop yields could meet global standards.
This consensus emerged at a webinar titled “Transforming Agriculture for a Food-Secure Pakistan,” held to mark Global Fertiliser Day.
The event, moderated by renowned talk show host Zarrar Khuhro, was attended by Dr. Zaheer Ahmed Zahir, Director of the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, alongside specialists Atif Mohammad Ali and Jawwad Hasan.
Atif Mohammad Ali stressed the need to educate farmers on use of modern techniques and promote balanced fertiliser to tackle the problem of low yields.
He said that Engro Fertilisers, a pioneer in sector innovation, has introduced specialty fertilisers customised for local soil nutrient needs, moving beyond traditional nitrogen-based products.
He also mentioned Engro’s recent launch of UgAi, Pakistan’s first integrated agri-e-commerce platform that allows farmers to buy fertilisers directly and employs advanced drone technology and satellite imagery, enabling data-driven crop management.
Khuhro noted that while agriculture accounts for 24pc of Pakistan’s GDP and employs 40pc of the labour force, it still has considerable untapped potential.
The sector faces challenges such as climate change, soil health issues, limited access to credit, and a dependence on traditional farming practices, he added.
Dr. Zahir said food security should not only ensure affordability and accessibility but also guarantee quality and nutrition, urging policymakers to prioritise access to high-quality agricultural inputs.
Jawwad Hasan highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan’s agriculture as opportunities for collaboration.
He acknowledged that despite some resistance among farmers to adopt new technologies, larger farmers are beginning to recognise the advantages and are increasingly open to adopting innovative practices.
