ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has proposed a Rs990 million project to accelerate the adoption of smart farming technologies and strengthen indigenous agricultural machinery development.

The project, titled “Establishment of Digital and Precision Agriculture Mechanisation Facility at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC),” will be implemented by the Agricultural Engineering Institute (AEI), NARC, Islamabad, according to official documents.

Planned over five years from July 2026 to June 2031, the initiative aims to advance agricultural mechanisation and promote precision and smart farming technologies.

The proposal aligns with key national development frameworks, including the 5Es Framework, the 13th Five-Year Plan, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Programme (NAIGP).

It is designed to promote resource-efficient farming technologies, support smallholder-focused mechanisation, strengthen the National Agricultural Research System, encourage import substitution and support agri-SMEs and local manufacturers.

Under the project, three key facilities will be upgraded, including a design lab, a prototype workshop and a testing lab equipped with 3D scanning, computer-aided design, modelling, simulation, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and laser-cutting technologies.

The initiative will support development of advanced agricultural equipment using artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, unmanned aerial vehicles and robotics, alongside establishment of a UAV and agricultural robotics facility.

At least five agricultural machine prototypes will be locally designed and tested, while 10 training activities will be organised. Over 500 stakeholders, including farmers, manufacturers and researchers, are expected to benefit.