By Farooq Awan

The government has been urged to promote artificial intelligence, automation and digital management systems across the poultry industry to improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

According to the recommendations of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research available with Wealth Pakistan, technology-driven poultry production should be accelerated through automation, artificial intelligence, smart environmental controls, digital management systems and data analytics.

The proposed technological shift is part of a broader set of recommendations for modernising the poultry sector and improving its ability to compete in domestic and international markets.

The recommendations envisage greater use of automation and digital technologies in poultry operations, alongside smart environmental controls that can support more efficient management of production facilities.

Artificial intelligence and data analytics have also been identified among the technologies that could support the industry's transition towards more technology-driven production.

The technology push is accompanied by recommendations for improving access to financing for modernisation and investment. The documents call for rationalising regulatory and fiscal frameworks, reducing regulatory burdens, ensuring policy consistency and providing incentives to support investment in the sector.

The recommendations also advocate a facilitative government-industry partnership to support private-sector investment, innovation, compliance and sustainable growth.

Technology adoption is being proposed alongside improvements in disease monitoring and biosecurity. The recommendations call for real-time disease surveillance and early-warning systems for major poultry diseases as well as measures to facilitate local vaccine production.

Risk-based biosecurity protocols have also been recommended across the poultry value chain, supported by regular audits and certification, with an emphasis on smart regulation rather than simply increasing regulatory requirements.

Modernisation of poultry production is also linked with the sector's ability to meet international standards. The recommendations call for accelerated adoption of HACCP, ISO, Halal and other global standards to strengthen food safety and export compliance.

The documents further recommend moving towards higher-value poultry trade by promoting processed and ready-to-cook products through targeted incentives, facilitation and market development.

The proposals emerged from deliberations involving poultry producers, processors, industry representatives and technology experts on measures needed to modernise the industry and strengthen its competitiveness.

Credit: INP-WealthPk