Sustainable farming

Express Tribune

08-03-2025

The writer is a Professor of Physics at the University of Karachi
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For generations, our farmers have relied on age-old techniques, but in recent years, the sector has struggled with declining productivity, water shortages and rising costs. As a researcher in renewable energy, I've often asked: why aren't we harnessing the power of technology and sustainable energy solutions to revolutionise our agricultural landscape?
With the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) officially launched in Cholistan, we finally have a chance to answer that question. This ambitious project promises a paradigm shift in agriculture, integrating modern techniques, research-driven policies and renewable energy to enhance productivity and ensure food security.
The initiative introduces a Green Agri Mall and Service Company, a 5,000-acre Smart Agri Farm, and an Agricultural Research and Facility Centre - all designed to support farmers with high-quality inputs, cutting-edge technologies and scientific research. More importantly, it recognises that a sustainable agricultural revolution must be powered by clean energy solutions, precision farming and strategic policymaking.
The GPI isn't just about modernising agriculture; it's about making it sustainable and self-sufficient. This means integrating solar-powered irrigation, precision agriculture and mechanised farming, ensuring that higher yields do not come at the cost of environmental degradation. The project's affordable rental options for machinery, including drones, will help small farmers access technology previously available only to large landowners, leveling the playing field in a sector where efficiency is key to survival.
The 5,000-acre Smart Agri Farm is particularly promising. Equipped with advanced irrigation systems and data-driven farming techniques, this project can serve as a model for the rest of Punjab. By optimising water use, reducing fertiliser wastage and increasing yield efficiency, it demonstrates how large-scale farming can be both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
The GPI presents a significant opportunity to integrate renewable energy into agriculture, reducing reliance on inefficient, fossil fuel-based systems. Punjab's solar-powered irrigation can replace diesel pumps, cutting costs for farmers and easing pressure on the energy grid. Biogas from agricultural waste offers an alternative to burning crop residues, providing clean energy for farms and rural communities.
Drones and AI-driven smart farming enhance efficiency by monitoring soil health and optimising resource use, while wind and solar hybrid farms could generate independent power, reducing rural dependence on the national grid. By embedding renewable energy at every stage, this initiative can drive profitable and environmentally sustainable agricultural transformation in Punjab.
The GPI initiative must ensure that small farmers, livestock herders and rural communities benefit from modernisation and investment. Land allocation should be fair, prioritising underutilised land to prevent displacement. Farmers need access to high-quality inputs, along with training and financial support to adopt modern techniques without excessive debt.
To maintain food security, corporate farms should be required to supply a portion of their produce to local markets, stabilising prices for essential crops. Additionally, corporate revenue should be directed toward education, healthcare and infrastructure through CSR initiatives, ensuring that rural communities experience tangible improvements and shared prosperity.
The GPI is a groundbreaking step toward transforming agriculture into a modern, technology-driven sector that can compete globally. However, its success depends on strategic planning, regulatory oversight and a commitment to sustainability. If properly executed, this initiative can serve as a blueprint for sustainable agriculture across Pakistan, securing food security, economic stability and rural development. Now is the time for farmers, researchers, policymakers and investors to collaborate, ensuring that this initiative fosters innovation, inclusivity and a resilient agricultural future for all.