Business

‘Technology, high-quality seeds critical for growth’

RRDB chairman calls on govt to provide interest-free soft loans to farmers to adapt

Our Correspondent June 29, 2023

A farmer holds hybrid red chili pepper seeds on his palm as he plants saplings, in Kunri, Umerkot, Pakistan, March 18, 2022. Devastating floods across Pakistan in August and September after several years of high temperatures, have left chilli farmers struggling in a country heavily dependent on agriculture, where officials have estimated $40 billion of flood damages. "When I was a child, the heat was never so intense. We used to have a plentiful crop, now it has become so hot, and the rains are so scarce that our yields have dwindled," farmer Leman Raj, 40, said. REUTERS

LAHORE:

The Chairman of the Rice Research and Development Board (RRDB), Shahzad Ali Malik, emphasised the critical role of modern technology and high-quality seeds in increasing agricultural production and addressing the challenges faced by farmers in Pakistan. In a meeting with a delegation of progressive farmers led by Shoukat Ali Arain from Mamukanjan, Faisalabad, Malik highlighted the impact of climate change on agriculture, including unpredictable rainfall patterns and more frequent extreme weather events.

To combat these challenges, Malik stressed the importance of utilising modern technologies such as climate modelling, remote sensing, and crop simulation models. These tools enable farmers to make informed decisions about crop selection, planting schedules, and water management, ultimately enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerability. He called on the government to provide interest-free soft loans to farmers, enabling them to purchase modern agricultural implements and technologies and usher in a green revolution across the country.

Malik also underscored the significance of advanced agricultural technologies, including high-yield crop varieties, precision farming techniques, and improved irrigation systems. These innovations contribute to increased productivity, allowing farmers to maximise their output and yield, ultimately boosting agricultural production and ensuring food security. Furthermore, these technologies offer innovative solutions for managing pests and diseases in crops. Remote sensing, satellite imagery, and drones equipped with multispectral sensors aid in the early detection of plant stress, pests, and diseases, enabling timely interventions and reducing the need for excessive pesticide use.

In conclusion, Shahzad Ali Malik, recipient of the Sitara-I-Imtiaz, emphasised the importance of embracing these technological advancements for sustainable agricultural development, poverty reduction, and food security in Pakistan. The integration of modern technology and high-quality seeds is crucial for empowering farmers and ensuring a prosperous agricultural sector in the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2023.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.