Azeem Ahmed Khan

Adopting smart farming techniques can increase profitability for Pakistani farmers by boosting productivity and cutting production costs, said Muhammad Rizwan, Agri Advisor at Concave AGRI .

“Adopting these techniques allows farmers to increase yields, reduce costs, and improve market integration, ultimately boosting profitability,” he told WealthPK. He explained that smart farming employed a range of modern technologies, including information and communication tools, to improve agricultural efficiency and productivity. This modern approach, also referred to as digital farming, is essential in Pakistan, where agriculture is a vital part of the economy, provides employment to a large segment of the population, and makes a significant contribution to the GDP.

 Common smart farming devices include sensors to monitor water, soil, light, humidity, and temperature, along with software solutions, connectivity tools, robotics, and data analysis tools to enhance farming practices. Rizwan highlighted drone technology as an example, explaining that farmers could use drones to capture the videos of their crops and send them to the remote analysis centers for expert advice. He also noted that drones could help apply pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and herbicides, reducing both labor costs and time.

 Rizwan said, ”For years, farmers around the world depended on insufficient and inaccurate data to make crucial decisions about what and how to grow.” He explained that smart farming utilized micro-weather stations to gather real-time field data, which helped determine the exact water requirements of crops based on soil moisture, temperature, and humidity, ensuring ideal conditions for crop cultivation.

 The agri advisor said smart farming also integrated modern technologies for weather forecasting. Climate change has caused unpredictable weather patterns, such as heatwaves and irregular rainfall, making crop production more difficult. He added that in Pakistan, the effects of climate change on food production were evident, with reduced crop yields, loss of biodiversity, and an increase in pests and diseases.

 Rizwan explained, “Climate-smart agricultural practices aim to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, ensuring long-term sustainability of agriculture.” He said smart farming could be a game-changer for Pakistani farmers, as using climate-resilient seeds will allow them to adapt to the changing climates and meet the increasing demand for food.

 He noted that high temperatures and low rainfall were degrading soil quality, leading to lower crop production due to salinity, erosion, and fertilizer depletion. Smart farming can help combat soil degradation, he added. Rizwan observed that efficient irrigation methods, like drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, could conserve water and safeguard the country's rapidly diminishing water resources.

 He pointed out that automated irrigation systems ensured efficient water usage, which was crucial in areas facing water scarcity. “Smart farming also reduces labor requirements and cuts costs. Robotics, such as smart tractors and drones, play a key role in enhancing the efficiency of the planting process,” he said. He further explained that smart farming helped lessen the ecological impact of agriculture by minimizing the use of production inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, while also addressing the leaching issues.

 Rizwan said the adoption of smart farming had also revolutionized livestock management by enabling continuous farm monitoring and ensuring that the animals' needs are fulfilled. He said Concave AGRI was striving to equip Pakistani farmers with the knowledge needed to implement smart farming techniques, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous agriculture. These efforts will benefit farmers, the environment, and the economy, he added. Rizwan encouraged large-scale farmers to adopt this technology to enhance both the quality and quantity of their produce. He also urged the government to help small farmers access this technology.

Credit: INP-WealthPk