Rice Planters Could Boost Pakistan’s Yield by 15pc
Government Weighs Rice Planters to Boost Yield and Cut Costs
ISLAMABAD: (News Desk) – Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Cheema has said the use of rice planters could increase Pakistan’s rice yield by up to 15 percent while reducing production costs per kilogram.
He made the remarks while chairing a meeting that reviewed the potential introduction of rice-planting machinery in the country’s major rice-producing regions, particularly Punjab and Sindh.
The minister directed the Secretary Food to prepare a detailed feasibility study in consultation with the provincial governments. The study will assess the economic viability of the initiative, its potential to reduce production costs and its possible impact on Pakistan’s rice exports.
Senator Ahad Cheema said that if the feasibility study establishes a viable case, the federal government would invest in the initiative in collaboration with the provincial governments.
He directed that the study should also recommend a cost-sharing mechanism involving the federal government, provincial administrations and farmers.
The minister asked the Secretary Food to consult the provincial governments on identifying suitable farmers and ensuring fair distribution of rice planters across major rice-growing areas.
He also called for consultations with the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), Engineering Development Board (EDB), relevant provincial stakeholders and private companies already using the technology.
Emphasising that the machinery must be accompanied by the necessary technical expertise, Senator Ahad Cheema called for a technology-transfer programme covering farmer training, after-sales services and technical support.
Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Food Ahmad Umair, Secretary Food Amer Ali Ahmad, Secretary Industries and other senior officials attended the meeting.
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