Ahad directs feasibility study on rice planters to boost yield & reduce production costs

ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP): Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Cheema on Monday was informed that the use of rice planters could increase Pakistan’s rice yield by up to 15% and lower production costs per kilogram.

The minister chaired a meeting, which reviewed the potential to introduce the technology in the country’s major rice-growing areas, particularly Punjab and Sindh, said a press release.

The minister directed the Secretary Food to prepare a comprehensive feasibility study in consultation with provincial governments, assessing the initiative’s economic viability, potential to improve cost-effectiveness and likely impact on rice exports.

The minister said that if the study establishes a viable case, the federal government would invest in the initiative in partnership with provincial governments. The study should also propose a cost-sharing model involving the federal government, provincial governments and farmers.

The minister asked the Secretary Food to consult provincial governments on identifying suitable farmers and distributing the planters equitably across relevant rice-growing areas. He also called for consultations with the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), the Engineering Development Board (EDB), other provincial stakeholders and private companies already using rice planters.

Emphasizing that the initiative must be supported by the expertise needed to use and maintain the machinery, Senator Ahad Cheema called for a technology-transfer program covering farmer training, after-sales service and technical support.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Food Ahmad Umair, Secretary Food Amer Ali Ahmad, Secretary Industries and senior officials attended the meeting.