Pakistan’s Agri-Tech Revolution: LIMS Showcases Digital Innovations for Farmers
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Islamabad, Aug. 01 (APP)
Federal Minister for Data Technology and telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and director General of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) recently visited the Land Information and Management System (LIMS) facility. The visit aimed to assess ongoing digital and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven innovations in agriculture and land management within Pakistan.
Upon arrival, the delegation was welcomed by DG LIMS maj Gen Muhammad Ayub Ahsan. Dr. col Waqar provided a comprehensive briefing on LIMS’s crucial role in ensuring food security. He highlighted how LIMS delivers the latest Agri-tech advisory to over 2 million farmers and has implemented automated pest attack mitigation strategies, such as the prosperous whitefly intervention in 2023, which reportedly saved more than Rs. 5 billion.
The Minister and her team witnessed a live presentation of Agri Stack, a important initiative by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (moitt). Shaza Fatima Khawaja expressed her enthusiasm for Agri Stack, describing it as a revolutionary digital ecosystem and e-commerce platform developed by LIMS that is poised to transform Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Other notable initiatives showcased included the Pak Sar Zameen Card, a farmer-centric smart tool utilizing GIS/RS-based technology. This card provides farmers with access to land records, subsidies, and vital agri-advisory services.
Discussions during the visit also focused on enhancing the branding of Pakistani agricultural products with export potential. The potential for job creation for the youth through tech-savvy agricultural advancements was a key topic, including plans for smartphone distribution, improved connectivity, AI utilization for crop yield prediction, and the establishment of a centrally operated agri-tech system under LIMS.
To foster coordinated progress, a proposal was discussed for the formation of a steering group to support LIMS in its agri-tech and operational expansion efforts.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja lauded LIMS as a flagship project representing pakistan’s digital change. DG SIFC emphasized the project’s significance as a model of the “Whole-of-Government” approach,driven by SIFC and Pakistan’s Armed forces. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to cultivating a tech-enabled, enduring future for Pakistan’s agriculture and environment.
The minister of IT specifically emphasized the importance of LIMS’s accessibility and usability. A primary objective is to ensure the LIMS platform is fully functional and easily accessible via smartphones. This initiative aims to place land-related services directly at users’ fingertips, thereby boosting clarity and public convenience.
Mobile access is expected to facilitate real-time data retrieval, location tracking, and efficient land record management.
evergreen Insights
Pakistan’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy,employing a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to the GDP. Historically, the sector has faced challenges related to traditional farming methods, access to information, and efficient land management. The integration of digital technologies and AI represents a paradigm shift, promising to address these long-standing issues.initiatives like LIMS and Agri Stack are crucial for modernizing farming practices, improving yields, and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural resources in the face of climate change and growing food demands.The “Whole-of-Government” approach signifies a unified effort to leverage national resources and expertise for agricultural advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary goal of the Land Information and Management System (LIMS) in Pakistan?
- The primary goal of LIMS is to ensure food security by providing farmers with the latest Agri-tech advisory and implementing digital innovations in agriculture and land management.
- how does LIMS help mitigate pest attacks in agriculture?
- LIMS utilizes automated pest attack mitigation strategies, such as the successful whitefly intervention in 2023, to protect crops and reduce economic losses for farmers.
- What is Agri Stack, and what is its significance for Pakistani agriculture?
- Agri Stack is a complete digital ecosystem and e-commerce platform developed by LIMS, designed to revolutionize Pakistan’s agriculture sector by providing a centralized digital hub for farmers.
- What services does the Pak Sar Zameen Card offer to farmers?
- The Pak Sar Zameen Card is a smart tool that provides farmers with access to land records, subsidies, and crucial agri-advisory services through GIS/RS-based technology.
- How is AI being utilized to advance Pakistan’s agriculture through LIMS
