Pakistan’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Cheema, directed the Food Secretary on October 5 to prepare a comprehensive feasibility study on introducing rice planters in major growing areas, particularly Punjab and Sindh. The study is to assess economic viability, cost-effectiveness and the potential effect on rice exports, according to the government’s release.

Officials told the meeting that the technology could raise yields by as much as 15% and lower production cost per kilogram. Cheema said federal investment with provincial governments would follow only if the study establishes a viable case. The review is also expected to propose a cost-sharing model involving farmers; no final purchase or nationwide rollout decision was announced.