ISLAMABAD, Mar 25 (ABC): The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has proposed a Rs990 million project to accelerate the adoption of smart farming technologies and strengthen indigenous agricultural machinery development.
The project, titled “Establishment of Digital and Precision Agriculture Mechanisation Facility at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC),” will be implemented by the Agricultural Engineering Institute (AEI), NARC, Islamabad, according to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan.
Planned for implementation over five years from July 2026 to June 2031, the initiative aims to advance agricultural mechanisation and promote precision and smart farming technologies.
The proposal aligns with key national development frameworks, including the 5Es Framework, the 13th Five-Year Plan, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Programme (NAIGP).
It is designed to promote resource-efficient farming technologies, support smallholder-focused mechanisation, strengthen the National Agricultural Research System, encourage import substitution and support agri-SMEs and local manufacturers.
Under the project, three key facilities will be upgraded, including a design lab, a prototype workshop and a testing lab. The design lab will be modernised with advanced technologies such as 3D scanning, computer-aided design (CAD), modelling and simulation tools.
The prototype workshop will be digitised through the installation of Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), laser-cutting and testing facilities to enhance machinery development and evaluation.
The initiative will also support the development of advanced agricultural equipment using artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robotics.
A dedicated UAV and agricultural robotics manufacturing and integration facility will also be established under the project.
As part of its research and development activities, at least five prototypes of different agricultural machines will be locally designed, developed and tested.
Capacity building is another key component of the initiative. At least 10 training activities, including workshops, training sessions and farmer field days, will be organised to impart technical knowledge and skills to farmers, manufacturers and researchers.
The proposed facility is expected to support value-added production systems, create technical employment opportunities and strengthen local manufacturing capacity.
More than 500 stakeholders, including farmers, manufacturers and researchers, will benefit through training and knowledge-sharing initiatives, contributing to capacity building and talent retention in the agricultural research system.
