Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Agricultural Machinery Standards and Testing Codes Development Held at NARC, Islamabad
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM), and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), organized a Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Agricultural Machinery Standards and Testing Codes Development in Pakistan.
Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman PARC, extended a warm welcome to the delegates and participants. In his address, Dr. Ali emphasized the critical need for Pakistan to align its agricultural mechanization practices with international standards. This workshop marks an essential step forward in our journey to modernize and standardize our agricultural systems,” he stated. Dr. Ali highlighted the unique diversity of Pakistan’s agricultural landscape, characterized by a wide variety of crops, climatic zones, and farming practices. He underlined that to enhance both productivity and the quality of outputs, there is a pressing need to adopt a system-based approach to agricultural development—one that is rooted in innovation, quality assurance, and sustainable practices. He also underscored the necessity of collaborative partnerships among domestic institutions and international development organizations to ensure the resilience and growth of Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
The workshop brought together national and international experts, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on the advancement and harmonization of agricultural machinery standards, the implementation of effective testing codes, and the development of a national policy framework for sustainable agricultural mechanization. These discussions align with the broader agenda of enhancing agricultural productivity, improving safety, and promoting environmental sustainability within the agricultural sector of Pakistan. Ms. Noriko Sato, representing the Asian Development Bank, addressed the gathering and reiterated ADB’s commitment to supporting the development of sustainable agricultural systems in Asia and the Pacific. She highlighted the integral role that standardized machinery and robust testing protocols play in ensuring efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Agricultural mechanization has been recognized as a key driver for increasing agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods, and achieving food security. This workshop represents a significant milestone in aligning Pakistan’s agricultural practices with international best practices and reflects a shared commitment to transforming agriculture into a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive sector. An inauguration ceremony of the Pakistan National Focal Office for CSAM/ANTAM at the Agricultural Engineering Institute, NARC Islamabad, was also conducted following the conclusion of the workshop.
