Pakistan works at promoting mechanised agriculture farming 

The Pakistani government plans to launch Mechanised Agriculture Farming Project (MAFP) at an estimated cost of US$40 million to augment cultivated lands for improved production in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

Sharing the details and objectives of the proposed project, an official of the Fata Secretariat said that the initiative would impact and benefit more than 90% of the total population that derive their livelihood, either directly or indirectly, from agriculture. A lot of effort has been made in terms of project planning to get the strategy right from the start.

The MAFP envisages developing 20000 acres of land through laser levelling technology on holdings of at least five acres. It would be relevant to add that Pakistan is considered to be the pioneer in South Asia to implement laser technology for agricultural development, testing it for first time in 1985.

"Induction of laser technology will minimise the cost of operation, ensure better degree of accuracy in much lesser time, save irrigation water, ascertain uniform seed germination, increase fertiliser use efficiency and result in enhanced crop yields", said the official.

30,000 acres of lesser holdings would be developed through conventional land levelling technology during the project life stretched across a timeline of five years. Expansion plan for the developed lands has also been set through crop maximisation programmes, implementation of horticultural activities and laying out block orchards.

"80% of the cost of development will be covered by the project while the remaining 20% will come from farmers to ensure ownership," he added.