Islamabad – The Digital Agriculture Consortium (DAC) officially launched at a local hotel in Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of Pakistan's agriculture sector.

The DAC launch event aimed to galvanize stakeholders, enhance engagement, and showcase Pakistan's burgeoning digital agriculture ecosystem.

This landmark event, organized under the PDAC project “Technical Support for the Establishment of Pakistan Digital Agriculture Consortium,” and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of National Food Security and Research(MNFSR).  

The launch event gathered a diverse array of participants, including digital agriculture input companies, mechanization service providers, digital service providers, financial service representatives, policymakers, development partners and other relevant stakeholders. The event was graced by the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication and Land Information & Management System.

The event showcased products and services from digital agriculture companies across Pakistan, offering attendees hands-on experiences and insights into the latest advancements in digital agriculture. Companies exhibited a range of digital solutions, from precision agriculture tools to smart farming technologies.

Presentations provided in-depth insights into critical aspects of digital agriculture, including digital track and traceability systems and land information management. These sessions highlighted the potential of digital technologies to enhance agricultural productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

Engaging panel discussions featuring industry experts and thought leaders discussed pertinent topics in digital agriculture, such as bridging gaps in ag-tech solutions and post-harvest success.

The event also initiated the process of enrolling diverse stakeholders into the DAC, fostering a broad coalition committed to advancing digital agriculture across the country. This membership process aims to integrate key players from government agencies, private sector entities, academic institutions, and agri-tech companies into a unified platform.

The primary objective of the DAC launch was to raise awareness about the consortium's fundamental goals, including the establishment of robust governance structures, the development of a unified digital platform, and the formulation of comprehensive digital transformational strategies.

The event facilitated the identification of fundamental challenges within the industry and the devising of effective solutions to address them. The launch of the DAC is a significant milestone in Pakistan's journey toward a more productive, efficient, and sustainable agriculture sector. By integrating advanced technologies, the DAC aims to make agriculture more consistent, efficient, and resource-effective, offering critical advantages for farmers and broader societal benefits.

The private sector's crucial role in expanding Pakistan's digital agriculture footprint was highlighted, emphasizing the need for systematic mainstreaming and coordination of digital agriculture services. Focused interventions by the government, FAO, and development sector organizations can accelerate the adoption of digital agriculture services, enhancing the overall impact.

The successful launch of the DAC has set the stage for concerted action and meaningful impact in advancing digital agriculture across Pakistan. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning, the DAC is well-positioned to drive the digital transformation of agriculture in Pakistan, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.