The use of rice planters could increase crop yield in Pakistan by up to 15% and lower production costs per kilogramme, officials briefed Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema at a meeting on Monday.

The meeting reviewed the potential of introducing technology in the country’s major rice-growing areas. The minister directed the secretary food to prepare a comprehensive feasibility study in consultation with provincial governments by assessing the initiative’s economic viability, potential to improve cost effectiveness and likely impact on rice exports.

He said if the study established a viable case, the federal government would invest in the initiative in partnership with the provincial governments. “The study should also propose a cost-sharing model involving the federal government, provincial administrations and farmers.”