Islamabad: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has implemented several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at transforming Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which include the introduction of advanced irrigation methods and the identification of millions of acres of barren land for potential cultivation. These efforts are part of the broader Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) which seeks to enhance water efficiency, promote sustainable agriculture, and significantly alter the agricultural landscape through both domestic and international collaborations.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the SIFC’s establishment of Local Irrigation Modules (LIMs) under GPI marks a significant milestone in agricultural development. LIMs has employed modular drip, sprinkler, and pivot irrigation techniques to increase water usage efficiency and reduce wastage. Moreover, LIMs has facilitated the conversion of 4.4 million acres of barren land into fertile agricultural grounds and established partnerships involving foreign and local investors to manage 600,000 acres under a business-to-business model. Additionally, the Mangroves restoration project is being advanced with international partners like the UAE and Kuwait, focusing on wastewater treatment and investment cooperation, respectively.
The government has also enhanced seed certification processes, reducing the seed trial period and drafting a national seed policy to further bolster agricultural productivity. The introduction of Agriculture Malls through private partnerships is set to provide farmers with easy access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern machinery all in one place, aiming to streamline agricultural practices and increase output.
Furthering its commitment under the Green Corporate and Livestock Initiative (GCLI), the SIFC has welcomed the first shipment of high breed cattle from Brazil, marking another step towards modernizing Pakistan’s livestock sector.