PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi held a Kisan Mela at the University Research Farm on Chakwal Road in Koont to showcase modern farming approaches and technologies aimed at improving farm profitability. The event emphasized the role of Precision Agriculture and Smart IoT Technologies in helping local farmers raise yields while lowering input costs.
The Mela was jointly inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman and former MNA Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas, and drew a large audience including international and national agricultural experts, progressive farmers, representatives of the State Bank of Pakistan, the Green Pakistan Initiative and Fatima Fertilizers, as well as deans, directors, faculty, administration and students.
Addressing attendees, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman said Pakistan must adopt concrete steps to modernize farming and that Precision Agriculture and Smart IoT Technologies represent the future of the sector. He highlighted Potohar’s fertile land and stressed that with targeted innovations and better practices the region could become a significant hub for agri production. He also noted that Punjab’s Government Agriculture Transformation Program is expected to help increase agri exports.
Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas praised the university’s efforts and urged farmers to transition away from traditional methods toward modern agriculture that delivers financial benefits, strengthens food security and creates foreign exchange through increased exports. He described the Mela as a hopeful sign for the future of Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Farmers at the event expressed appreciation for the practical guidance provided by the university, saying the demonstrations and awareness stalls addressed pressing agricultural issues. Alongside technical exhibits, attendees enjoyed traditional sports such as horse riding, javelin throwing and bull racing, with prizes awarded to participants.
The Mela reinforced the case for wider adoption of Precision Agriculture and connected solutions across the Potohar region, underlining that local uptake of smart farming practices can make agriculture more productive, cost-effective and export-oriented.
