ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to enhance its capacity for precision agriculture with significant support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
This initiative aims to introduce climate-smart farming techniques by establishing a centralized knowledge management system at the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to address climate risks affecting agriculture, especially in Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan, and to improve resource efficiency through modern technologies.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Policy Framework
Under the project, a detailed ‘Readiness Action Plan’ will be developed to strengthen institutional capabilities and fill existing policy gaps.
This plan will focus on promoting precision agriculture as a key climate resilience measure. Precision agriculture involves the use of advanced tools like GPS-guided equipment, automated irrigation systems, and drones to optimize crop production. It aims to reduce the use of water, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor while increasing yields and producing higher-quality crops.
The lack of a standardized national framework has so far limited the widespread adoption of these technologies in Pakistan, resulting in fragmented efforts.
Overcoming Climatic Threats with Technology
Pakistan’s agriculture sector faces severe climate threats such as irregular monsoon patterns, droughts, floods, glacier retreat, and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas.
These challenges threaten water availability and crop productivity, especially in arid and vulnerable regions. Precision agriculture offers a sustainable solution by allowing farmers to manage resources more efficiently and adapt to changing climatic conditions.
However, limited access to advanced agricultural technologies remains a major hurdle, particularly for smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the sector.
The GCF-backed initiative will work to make these technologies more accessible and scalable across Pakistan.
This project represents a critical step toward modernizing agriculture and enhancing climate resilience, providing hope for improved food security and sustainable farming practices in the years ahead.
