A Punjab delegation has met with Chinese satellite firm Piesat in Beijing to explore space technology to upgrade the region's agricultural sector, Gwadar Pro reported on Wednesday quoting the company's statement. Led by Punjab's Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, the delegation discussed potential collaboration on satellite-based crop monitoring, disaster management, and digital watershed management with Piesat in Beijing.

The push for technology comes as Punjab, Pakistan's agricultural heartland, seeks to increase farm productivity and modernise the agriculture sector. In a recent move, the provincial government launched a 30 billion rupee programme to promote high-tech farm mechanisation. The visit follows a series of agreements between Piesat and Pakistan.

The company launched a smart agriculture pilot project in Pakistan in early 2024 and signed a cooperation deal on smart agriculture development in June this year. Last month, the firm signed a 2.9 billion yuan ($400 million) agreement with Pakistan to help the country develop an independent satellite network.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China