Pakistan-China smart agriculture lab launched

Experts stress the importance of technology transfer to empower farmers

JARANWALA:

The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) inaugurated the Pakistan-China Joint Lab for Artificial Intelligence and Smart Agriculture to boost farming in the province.

The lab aims to promote cutting-edge agricultural practices to enhance productivity in the field.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and Dr Wu Jun, CEO of CAS Cogniser, who jointly inaugurated the lab. The event was attended by esteemed guests including Tauseefur Rahman, Project Director of the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, Sahibzada Khan, Director-General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, and other dignitaries.

As part of the initiative, an International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Smart Agriculture was also organized by the Precision Agriculture Lab.

During his address, Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan emphasized the potential of data science, drone technology, and other smart agriculture innovations to boost production while minimizing costs. He highlighted the importance of introducing drone technology for spraying in Punjab’s villages, envisioning increased productivity, reduced production costs, and improved health outcomes for farmers.

Dr. Wu Jun reiterated the commitment to advancing agricultural research in the lab and implementing technologies that benefit farmers.

Tauseefur Rahman stressed the need for stronger industry-academia linkages to modernize agriculture and achieve food self-sufficiency. He affirmed his organization’s dedication to fostering innovation in the agricultural sector.

Sahibzada Khan announced the launch of the Kissan Weather mobile application, underscoring efforts to provide farmers with essential weather information.

Mushtaq Gill highlighted the importance of establishing an efficient agricultural market system to protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen.

Dr Saqib Ali expressed confidence in the Precision Agriculture Lab’s efforts to drive economic prosperity through smart agricultural practices.

According to experts, satellite imagery, weather sensors and data-based algorithms can help farmers track progress over the entire crop cycle and can address growth and other issues by optimising the inputs use, balanced use of fertilizer and water efficiency.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th, 2024.