Agri-output as vital as industrial productivity

NPO chief says smart agriculture can strengthen linkages, create enterprise opportunities

LAHORE:

Agricultural productivity holds equal importance to industrial productivity given its contribution to food security, employment and raw material supply to industry, National Productivity Organisation (NPO) Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Alamgir Chaudhry said as a five-day international workshop on smart agriculture opened in Lahore and the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) National Productivity Awards 2025 were presented.

He said smart agriculture, sustainable soil management, resource-efficient production and innovative value-added solutions could improve agricultural performance, strengthen agriculture-industry linkages and create new opportunities for agro-based enterprises.

The workshop, running from November 2 to 6, 2026, will focus on sustainable soil management, data-driven farming, product quality and value addition, according to a statement issued on Monday.

Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industries and Production Nadeemur Rehman, the chief guest, said agriculture remained a cornerstone of the economy and called for transforming traditional practices through sustainable soil management, efficient resource use, modern technology and value addition.

He linked farm modernisation to economic transformation objectives under URAAN Pakistan and the 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan, and appreciated APO's technical support across its member economies.

The APO National Productivity Awards 2025 were presented at the opening ceremony for achievement in productivity improvement, innovation, operational excellence and promoting a productivity-driven culture in Pakistan.