MAFAR PARTICIPATES IN IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH MECHANIZATION
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform participated in a workshop on Improving Agricultural Productivity through Mechanization on November 6-9, 2023, in Avari Hotel, Lahore, Pakistan.
This workshop is hosted by the Asian Productivity Organization and the National Productivity Organization of Pakistan in collaboration with the Development Academy of the Philippines.
The workshop aimed to understand the latest technologies and measures for mechanization in the Agriculture Sector, learn about policies and frameworks to support small farms, discuss issues, opportunities, and challenges, share good practices, and recommend possible mechanization options on small farms in APO members.
Participants and speakers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Nepal, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Turkey, Fiji, and the Philippines by Engr. Ashnaira Abdullah, Engineer III of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform, and Mr. Virgilio Lazaga, MD., Assistant Secretary of Cooperative Development Authority, represented the Philippines.
Mr. Takashi Fujimori, Executive Director of the Japan Agricultural Mechanization Association (JAMECA), shared his expertise on Sustainable Future through “Smart-Agri Technologies” and Japan’s long experience in agricultural mechanization and the way forward.
The resource speaker from Thailand, Dr. Isara Chaopisit, an Academic Professor at the International Academy of Aviation Industry King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand, discussed the Benefits and Basic Cost Analysis of Mechanization and the Present Situation of Farming Management in Thailand. He also presented the key to success in Agricultural Mechanization, issues, and challenges.
Mr. Mahmood Riaz, an Agricultural Engineer at the Punjab Agriculture Department Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute Multan Pakistan, gave an overview of the current situation and activities in Agricultural Mechanization.
He introduced the overall picture of the benefits and cost reductions of Mechanization while introducing the scale of farming and farming management in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Engr. Ashnaira Abdullah shared the mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform and how relevant the workshop was.
She also discussed the current interventions and fund sources regarding Mechanization and the status of distributed machinery by the Ministry and by PhilMech to the qualified Farmers’ Cooperative and Associations. The issues and ways forward were also part of the presentation.
ASec Lazaga said that the obstacles in food security and productivity, mechanization is the solution to address this food insufficiency.
He emphasized that the Philippines is committed to the programs related to mechanization.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Asian Productivity Organization, the National Productivity Organization – Pakistan, and other participating countries for motivating everyone’s role in improving Agricultural productivity in many parts of the world.
In addition, a site visit to one of Pakistan’s Tractor Companies, Millat Tractor Limited. The participants were briefed on the details and specifications of the displayed MTL machinery and walked through the production plant, assembly area, and the quality control/ assurance department.