ISLAMABAD: A national policy dialogue organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has proposed evolving a national policy on agricultural mechanisation for smallholder farmers in Pakistan.

The dialogue on strengthening agriculture innovation systems for agricultural machinery for small farmers in Pakistan, under the European Union-funded project, identified that the absence of a national policy on agriculture mechanisation is a prime reason for slow progress in mechanisation and thus low farm productivity, FAO says in a document released on Tuesday.

There is no specific or exclusive national agricultural mechanisation policy at the federal or provincial levels. The agriculture policies of Pakistan have a very minor portion related to agricultural mechanisation or do not mention it at all.

The Ministry of National Food Security and Research should set up a working group on agricultural mechanisation with representatives from all stakeholders. Additionally, the government should promote the formation of farmer cooperatives to pool resources, share knowledge, and jointly invest in machinery. Developing and disseminating low-cost mechanisation solutions through partnerships, cooperative models, and policy dialogue is recommended.

The horizon of agricultural mechanisation now encompasses emerging and disruptive technologies. It is the right time to integrate advanced technologies like satellite imagery, artificial intelligence and drones into agricultural practices.

Published in Dawn, October 23th, 2024