Chinese firm to manufacture robotic agri equipment in Punjab

By Our Correspondent
January 24, 2025
Punjab Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani (centre) in a meeting with adelegation of China’s AI Force Tech Company on January 23, 2025. — FacebookSyed.Ashiq.Kirmani

LAHORE:A delegation of China’s AI Force Tech Company, led by CEO Han Wei, called on Punjab Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani at the Punjab Assembly on Thursday.

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The delegation included Director of Research and Development Guo Wei, Senior Product Manager Li Weihua, Product Director Liu Jikai, and Director of International Business Tausif Abbas.

The provincial minister, on this occasion, mentioned that during a recent visit to China, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Punjab Government and China’s Artificial Intelligence Force Tech Company and under this agreement, modern agricultural machinery will be promoted in Punjab. The minister further added that, as part of the agreement, AI Force Tech Company will establish a plant in Punjab to manufacture robotic agricultural equipment. The provincial minister stated that China is a global leader in innovation and technology in the agricultural sector. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is committed to promoting agricultural mechanisation in the province.

He emphasised that the Punjab government seeks the company’s cooperation in introducing robotic and electric tractors in the province, which will help modernise Punjab’s farming sector.

Syed Ashiq Kirmani noted that projects worth Rs400 billion are currently being implemented in Punjab. A rental service programme for agricultural machinery is being launched to protect the interests of 90% of small farmers with landholdings ranging from one acre to 12.5 acres.

He mentioned that under the Green Tractor Programme, the largest subsidy in the country’s history has been provided to farmers. Farmers will also be provided tractors above 85 horsepower through rental services.

The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Punjab highlighted that farmers are receiving Rs150 billion in annual interest-free loans through the Chief Minister’s Kisan Card initiative. Furthermore, under the Agricultural Tubewells Solarisation Programme, 8,000 electricity and diesel-powered tube wells are being converted to solar systems at a cost of Rs9 billion. He concluded that with China’s support, the agricultural sector in Punjab will witness further development.

CEO of AI Force Tech Company Han Wei expressed his company’s willingness to assist with agricultural technology transfer in Punjab. He also expressed interest in launching a pilot project for vegetable farming in the province. Han Wei further stated that the company will provide full support for the promotion of precision agriculture, digital plantation, digital labs, satellite-based monitoring and control, and advanced research in Punjab.

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