Govt weighs rice planters to boost yields by up to 15%

Profit by Pakistan Today reported that rice planters are under consideration by the federal government for the main rice-producing regions. Officials estimate the machines could raise yields by up to 15% while lowering the cost of producing each kilogram.

Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema has instructed the National Food Security and Research Ministry to prepare a detailed feasibility study in consultation with the provinces. The review will test whether the scheme is financially sound, how far it could cut costs and what effect it would have on rice shipments abroad. Punjab and Sindh, the two largest rice-growing provinces, are the main target, and the federal government could co-invest with them if the findings support the case.

Officials have also been asked to design a cost-sharing model among the federal government, provinces and farmers, along with ways to identify suitable growers. The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, the Engineering Development Board, provincial stakeholders and private firms already using the equipment will be consulted. The proposal also covers farmer training, after-sales service and technical support, and the government is weighing whether greater mechanisation could make rice exports more competitive.