From Exports to Digital Infrastructure—Modernizing Agri-Business in Pakistan
Surge in Rice Exports & New Markets
Pakistan’s agricultural exports are rising impressively. Rice exports alone generated $4 billion in FY2024, buoyed by SIFC-led trade initiatives and modern agricultural practices. The SIFC aims to push this figure to $5 billion next fiscal year, calling for improved seed quality and standardized farming to meet global benchmarks. In addition, Pakistan has diversified its exports—tractors have now reached Tanzania, signaling an expansion into the East African market.
Digitizing Agriculture—The Agri Stack Initiative
A groundbreaking development in Pakistan’s agri-business is the launch of the National Agri Stack, aimed at integrating land records, farmer IDs, and crop data into a unified digital ecosystem. This digital platform will streamline delivery of subsidies, loans, insurance, weather updates, and market access—helping eliminate inefficiencies and ensure support reaches the right farmers. With features like crop advisories, satellite monitoring, and trusted payment systems, Agri Stack promises a more transparent and resilient agricultural infrastructure.
Corporate Momentum & Value Chain Integration
The corporate sector is playing an increasingly strategic role in agriculture. Entities like National Foods Limited (NFL), via its “Seed to Table” model, are expanding self-reliance, digitizing value chains, and driving export growth—particularly in tomato products. Other notable initiatives include a planned 400-acre shrimp farm in Sindh, regenerative agriculture efforts by startups like Drawdown Farm, and enhanced agricultural services from financial institutions like HBL Zarai Services