In South Punjab, where farmers are increasingly challenged by irregular weather patterns, water scarcity, and low agricultural productivity, the district of Khanewal is emerging as a centre of innovation in sustainable agriculture. With both conventional wisdom and cutting-edge technologies now being tested in its fields, Khanewal is providing lessons that may inform climate-resilient agriculture across the region.
Recently, a focused group of local growers, agricultural officers, academics, researchers, and facilitators gathered in Multan to explore climate-adaptive crops and farming practices. Their discussions, grounded in first-hand field experience, highlighted maize, potato, pulses, sesame, oilseeds, and medicinal herbs such as fennel (soonf) as suitable for the area’s semi-arid conditions. These crops not only enhance food security but also help conserve water and restore soil health.
Participants noted that in systems such as rice–maize–potato or cotton–wheat, simple improvements like ridge sowing or raised-bed planting have already produced positive outcomes. These methods reduce water consumption, improve aeration, and support better root development — key advantages in areas affected by waterlogging and heat stress.
But it was not only about what to produce, it was also about how to produce more intelligently. Many bottlenecks were highlighted, including pest pressure, poor seed quality, outdated sowing techniques, and restricted access to machinery. To address these challenges, participants called for customised research on climate-resilient seed varieties, modern farm mechanisation, and integrated pest management (IPM) measures tailored for smallholders.
The Khanewal model farm reflects an adaptation process where growers are testing new seed varieties, adjusting sowing times, and learning how to use digital platforms for informed decision-making
At the heart of the discussion was the significance of digital tools. Growers emphasised the need for fertiliser calculators based on soil testing, and access to smart devices that could assist in crop monitoring, rainfall prediction, and disease detection. The potential for AI-powered solutions on small agricultural lands was acknowledged — not as a replacement for traditional knowledge, but as a support system to enable more informed decision-making.
Importantly, these local findings are aligned with national efforts to modernise agriculture. In July 2023, Khanewal made headlines for hosting Pakistan’s first fully automated model agriculture farm. The Khanewal Model Agriculture Farm, situated in Pirowal and spread over 2,250 acres, is equipped with drone surveillance, automated irrigation, and precision machinery. It represents a remarkable step towards smart farming under the Green Pakistan Initiative. This farm serves as a model for transforming traditional agricultural practices into climate-smart agriculture (CSA).
In Khanewal, the drive for digital agriculture is not confined to machinery and infrastructure; it also involves empowering smallholders to effectively use these tools. When digital solutions are paired with training in local languages and community-based facilitation, they become instruments of digital inclusion, bridging gaps in knowledge, gender, and geography. Beyond productivity, these technologies contribute to farmers’ subjective well-being by reducing stress, boosting confidence, and giving them a greater sense of control over their livelihoods. For smallholders, especially women and youth, digital inclusion is no longer a luxury — it is a pathway to dignity, resilience, and long-term rural development.
By November 2023, the model farm had celebrated its first harvest using cutting-edge technologies, demonstrating how data-driven automation can reshape agriculture in Pakistan. This example could be used to foster similar agricultural ventures across the region, particularly in Central and South Punjab, where climatic risks are worsening.
Crucially, climate-smart agriculture is taking root in this fertile agrarian belt. The Khanewal model farm reflects an adaptation process where growers are testing new seed varieties, adjusting sowing times, and learning how to use digital platforms for informed decision-making.
This region is now regarded as a hub for agricultural experimentation, connecting traditional farming techniques with modern systems. The effectiveness of this initiative lies in the synergy between rural communities, NGOs, researchers, public sector support, and grassroots insights. If scaled up rationally, what is taking place in this district may serve as a blueprint for rural revitalisation across the country.