Ignite, formerly ICT R&D has signed a framework collaboration agreement with the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) to promote the use of digitization and innovation in the development of tech-based solutions to benefit sustainable agricultural production (agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture), increase food and nutrition security, and increase productivity.
In the presence of Syed Junaid Imam, Member IT, Ministry of IT & Telecom, and Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Chairman PARC, Mr. Asim Shahryar Husain, CEO Ignite, and Roshan Zada, Secretary (Council), PARC signed a framework partnership agreement. The framework collaboration agreement aims to benefit sustainable agricultural production (agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture), boost agricultural productivity, and improve farmers’ access to markets by leveraging the use of digitization and innovation in the development of tech-based solutions.
Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Chairman PARC, noted in his welcoming address that agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing roughly 20% of GDP and providing a large number of jobs.
Low growth, water scarcity, environmental concerns, changing energy prices, and increased consumer demands are just a few of the complicated issues confronting the agriculture sector today, as farmers’ profit margins shrink.
Asim Shahryar Husain, CEO of Ignite, spoke at the event and noted that agriculture innovation spans the full value chain, from agricultural, forestry, fishery, and livestock production to input and resource management and market access. He stated that Ignite has always lent its full support to resolving these issues through technological interventions, introducing creative solutions that boost yield and profit margins for farmers while reducing the role of middlemen.
He went on to say that last year, Ignite, in partnership with FAO, held an Agrisurge Innovation Challenge, with the winners receiving cash prizes in April 2021. In the future, Ignite will open an agritech incubator to support entrepreneurs that use technology to solve local agriculture concerns. This will benefit Pakistan’s agriculture sector in terms of productivity and exports.
Source: ProPakistani
