Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema was briefed that the use of rice planters can increase Pakistan's rice yield by up to 15 percent and reduce production costs per kilogram.

He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad today to review the potential for introducing technology in the country's major rice-growing areas, particularly Punjab and Sindh.

The minister directed the Food Secretary to prepare a comprehensive feasibility study in consultation with provincial governments, assessing the initiative's economic viability, its potential to improve cost-effectiveness, and its likely impact on rice exports.

Ahad Cheema said the federal government will invest in the initiative in partnership with provincial governments if the study establishes a viable case. He said the study should also propose a cost-sharing model involving the federal government, provincial governments, and farmers.

The minister instructed the authorities concerned to consult provincial governments on identifying suitable farmers and distributing the planters equitably across relevant rice-growing areas. He also called for consultations with the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, the Engineering Development Board, other provincial stakeholders, and private companies already using rice planters.

Ahad Cheema stressed the need for a technology-transfer programme covering farmer training, after-sales service, and technical support.