Chris Infotainment

Introduction to the New Satellite-Based System In a significant move towards modernizing agricultural data collection, a new satellite-based system is set to launch next year. This initiative aims to provide accurate and reliable figures on crop cultivation, particularly for Punjab's cotton production. The project seeks to resolve long-standing disputes over production data and enhance transparency in the agricultural sector. By leveraging advanced technology, the system will support informed decision-making and guide future planning related to imports, exports, and agricultural policies. Collaboration and Objectives The project will be overseen by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in collaboration with China and the Land Information and Management System (LIMS). LIMS was established in 2023 with the goal of modernizing farming practices. This partnership highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing agricultural challenges and improving d...

Expansion of Smart Farming Solutions in Rwanda Heifer International Rwanda, in collaboration with Hello Tractor and the Government of Rwanda, recently launched a second mechanisation hub in Nyagatare District. This initiative marks an expansion of access to smart farming solutions for smallholder farmers, following the successful launch of the first hub in Kayonza District in November last year. The Nyagatare hub, established under Heifer’s Rwanda Dairy Market Systems (RDMS) project, is designed to improve smallholder farmers’ access to affordable mechanisation services. The hub offers modern tractors, operator training, and a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model that allows farmers—especially youth—to acquire tractors with a 5 per cent down payment, with the balance repayable over five years from service income. The launch event brought together government officials, partners, and farmers, featuring live tractor demonstrations, equipment handovers, and farmer testimonials highlighting the ben...

Dhakki Dates: A Symbol of Pride and Economic Potential The sweet aroma of freshly harvested Dhakki dates has once again filled the orchards of Dera Ismail Khan as the harvesting season for this world-renowned variety gets underway. Known as the pride of the district, Dhakki dates have gained worldwide acclaim for their impressive size, thick pulp, and unmatched flavor. This unique fruit is not only a local treasure but also a significant contributor to the region's economy. The Dhakki variety, originally cultivated in the Dhakki area of DI Khan, holds the honor of being the first fruit in Pakistan to secure the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) status. This achievement was officially registered by the Agriculture Research Institute (ARI), Dera Ismail Khan. The GI status ensures that only dates produced in this specific region can be labeled as Dhakki, protecting its authenticity and quality. Dr. Shahzada Arshad Saleem Saddozai, a senior scientist at ARI, praised the relen...

Introduction to Agri Stack: A Digital Revolution in Pakistan’s Agriculture Pakistan has taken a significant step towards modernizing its agricultural sector with the launch of a groundbreaking initiative known as Agri Stack. This digital platform aims to transform traditional farming practices by introducing advanced technological solutions that empower farmers, streamline services, and improve overall efficiency in the agricultural value chain. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, with collaboration from other key stakeholders such as the Ministry of National Food Security, LIMS (Lahore Institute of Management Sciences), and SIFC (Sustainable Irrigation and Farming Center). The government's vision is to create a more transparent, efficient, and resilient agricultural system through the use of digital tools and data-driven decision-making. Addressing Key Challenges in Farming Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that Agri Stack ...