Muhammad Saleem

Introducing modern agricultural machinery rental services can boost productivity and reduce farmers’ expenses, Dr Khan, an agricultural scientist at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, told WealthPK.

“It is a blessing of Allah Almighty that we have hardworking farmers, who are leaving no stone unturned to meet the country’s increasing demand for food. They are strengthening the agriculture sector, which is the backbone of Pakistan's economy,” he said. However, he expressed deep concern over the fact that many small and medium-scale farmers lack modern equipment. They are eager to adopt the modern technology but are hamstrung by the limited resources and lack of knowledge, he said.

“We can resolve the issues of our farmers through a machinery rental service. This initiative could work wonders by significantly boosting the agricultural productivity. Farmers need tractors, combine harvesters, and seed drills, as many of them can’t afford to buy them. Providing these machines on a rental basis to farmers can ensure higher crop yields and better-quality produce. This facility will also strengthen the financial position of our farmers and breathe a new life into the rural economy,” Dr Khan said.

Asim Ali, a progressive farmer, while discussing the practical implications of renting modern machinery, termed it a great initiative in the right direction. “From a farmer's perspective, I can say with certainty that this initiative will be a game-changer. The majority of our farmers lacks resources to invest in modern machinery. The latest equipment requires a huge investment. The government can lend them a helping hand by making it available at affordable rental rates,” he added.

He told WealthPK that it's an undeniable fact that many farmers still rely on outdated equipment, which eats into productivity and drives up expenses. Renting facilities will be a breath of fresh air for farmers, allowing them to use the latest technology without financial constraints. Buying the latest machinery and covering its maintenance costs is not possible for small-scale farmers, he added.

With the latest seed drills, we can cut down on seed wastage, enhance planting precision, ultimately leading to a boost in the overall yields. Dr. Khan said the service should be extended to farmers in all the districts so that the agricultural sector could make headway. He said small and medium-scale farmers must be equipped with the latest knowledge and equipment to maximize productivity.

He urged those at the helm to launch awareness programs that educate farmers on how to reap the benefits of the latest technologies. It has been observed in the past that scores of initiatives were introduced for the farming communities; however, their sustainability has always been a major concern. A well-managed rental service could revolutionize the agriculture sector, but only if the government keeps its finger on the pulse and ensures its sustainability.

“With time, the traditional cultivation patterns will lose their edge, so we need to promote the advanced machinery to support sustainable agriculture. Owing to climate change, farmers in Punjab may be in hot water this time because the province has not received the expected rainfall. To tackle this challenge, we need to adopt precision irrigation systems, he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk