Pakistan needs to employ Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve sustainable growth in the agriculture sector. This was stressed by Ahmad Jawad, Vice-President of Pakistan Business Forum. Talking to WealthPK, he said Pakistan needed consistent annual growth of around five percent in the agricul¬ture sector to feed the growing population. He expressed a strong conviction that the integration of AI could revolutionise and revitalise the agriculture sector, especially horticulture. He contended that AI can efficiently tackle challenges such as climate change, fast adapting to modern crop patterns and talent attraction. Emphasising the urgency of incorporating AI into the Green Pakistan Initiative, he said policymakers often spend considerable time in discussions and visualisations, resulting in delays in implementing pragmatic approaches critical for the agricultural sector. The AI market in Pakistan is projected to grow by 22.30% (2023-2030) to $2,693 million in 2030 “The integration of AI into agriculture holds immense potential for revolutionising how we approach food production,” highlighted Imtiaz Hussain, Deputy Director General of National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. He said AI technologies can play a pivotal role in optimising resource management, increasing crop yields, and ensuring sustainable farming practices.

He said one of the major challenges faced by farmers in Pakistan is the limited access to modern agricultural practices and technologies. “AI can bridge this gap by offering real-time information on weather conditions, crop diseases and optimal planting and harvesting times.” He said, “By harnessing AI, we can provide farmers with actionable insights derived from data analytics, allowing them to make informed decisions about crop health, irrigation and pest control. This not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability by minimising the use of resources. This is crucial for mitigating the impact of climate change and ensuring food security in a rapidly growing population,” he emphasised. Imtiaz said that for successful integration, the government, private sector, and research institutions must work hand in hand. “The government can provide the necessary policy framework and incentives, while the private sector can contribute with technological expertise and investment.” He added that research institutions can play a vital role in developing and refining AI solutions tailored to the unique challenges of local agriculture. “Together, we can create a conducive environment for the adoption of AI, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and long-term benefits for both farmers and the country.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)