Pakistan: Govt weighs rice planters to boost yields by up to 15%
Pakistan is considering introducing rice planters across major growing areas in Punjab and Sindh, potentially raising yields by 15% and lowering production costs. A feasibility study will assess economic viability, export competitiveness and cost-sharing, alongside farmer training, technology transfer, technical support and equitable machinery distribution.
The federal government is considering introducing rice planters across Pakistan’s major rice-growing areas, with officials estimating the technology could increase yields by up to 15% while reducing production costs per kilogram.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Ahad Cheema has directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to prepare a comprehensive feasibility study on the initiative in consultation with provincial governments.
The study will assess the economic viability of introducing rice planters, their potential to reduce production costs and their likely impact on Pakistan’s rice exports.
Punjab and Sindh, the country’s major rice-growing provinces, will be the primary focus of the proposed initiative.
The federal government could invest in the programme alongside provincial governments if the feasibility study establishes a viable case.
Officials have also been directed to develop a cost-sharing model involving the federal government, provincial governments and farmers.
The study will examine how suitable farmers can be identified and how the machinery could be distributed equitably across relevant rice-growing areas.
The government will also consult the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), Engineering Development Board (EDB), provincial stakeholders and private companies already using rice planters.
The proposed programme would include a technology-transfer component covering farmer training, after-sales services and technical support to ensure farmers are able to operate and maintain the machinery.
The initiative is aimed at improving productivity and lowering the cost of rice cultivation, with the government also assessing whether greater mechanisation could strengthen the competitiveness of Pakistan’s rice exports.
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Source : Profit Pakistan Today
