Pakistan is expanding the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology in agriculture as part of a broader overhaul of the country’s agricultural research system aimed at improving farm productivity and supporting farmers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a new master plan for the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), following a meeting on agricultural reforms held on August 22. Under the plan, greater use of artificial intelligence, modern technology and research institutions will be introduced into agricultural research and development. Officials also briefed the meeting on several technology based initiatives, including an artificial intelligence application designed to identify plants and pests, a crop assessment programme backed by SUPARCO and the Pakistan Tobacco Board Automation Project. Several short term technology initiatives have already entered the implementation phase, indicating that the government is moving toward greater use of digital tools and automated systems in agricultural activities.
The artificial intelligence based plant and pest identification application is among the initiatives being introduced to support agricultural monitoring. Such technology can help identify plants and pests through digital analysis, providing information that can assist agricultural researchers and farmers in assessing crop conditions. The government is also developing a system for estimating crop production at the national level, with the prime minister directing authorities to establish a national mechanism for more accurate crop estimates. Alongside technology adoption, the government has directed certified companies to ensure farmers receive quality seeds. Increasing per acre productivity for small and medium scale farmers remains a key priority under the agriculture reform measures.
The overhaul of NARC will form another major part of the agricultural research reforms. Under the approved master plan, NARC will be divided into seven districts to align its operations with international requirements. The revamped research facility is planned to include five Centres of Excellence, reference laboratories, a biorepository and new research centres. The plans also include a research park for the private sector, a Centre for International Cooperation, a Living Laboratory and a Public Discovery Park. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also directed authorities to make NARC and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council more effective and align their research activities with international standards.
The government is also accelerating implementation of the Agriculture Innovation and Growth Plan 2026-27, which covers agricultural machinery, modern technology, digitalisation, research, capacity building, food security and financing. Measures under the plan include Kisan Ghar refinance, crop insurance, electronic warehouse receipt financing, farm machinery financing and the Prime Minister’s National District Development Programme. The combination of artificial intelligence, crop assessment technology, agricultural research and digital financing is intended to address different areas of the farming ecosystem. As these initiatives move forward, technology is expected to play a greater role in identifying crop and pest conditions, estimating production and supporting agricultural research and productivity across Pakistan.
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