SonaKissan Convention highlights AI-driven agriculture, farmer empowerment
LAHORE: Sona Centre, a leading agricultural input supply channel has successfully organized a Kissan Convention at Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore. Sona Centre serves as a sustainable balancing force, empowering small to medium scale landholders to adopt innovative farming practices and enhance crop yields. Sona Centre lead the farming ecosystem which provides quality fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, a team of 300 agronomists including the initiative of gender diversity by appointment of female agronomist in leadership roles. It is also the Pioneer in leading modern agri Advisory & guidance through AI-based digital platforms. SonaCentres facilitate doorstep delivery of agricultural inputs, offer crop insurance services, and assist farmers in accessing bank financing at lower mark-up rates. In short of span of little over a year 244 stores are operational across Pakistan. Such Initiatives are global phenomenon and with support of Government and stakeholders the aim is to ensure International standards of farming practices adopted in Pakistan
Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Secretary, Agriculture, Government of Punjab, who participated as the chief guest, lauded FFC’s initiative of establishing a widespread network of SonaCentres across the country. He stated that SonaCentres have played a pivotal role in serving farmers and contributing to the development of Pakistan’s agriculture sector by ensuring timely availability of quality inputs and integrated support systems.
He highlighted that the provision of quality fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides at MRP, coupled with advisory support and AI-based guidance, is a significant support for farmers. He also shared insights on various Chief Minister Punjab’s initiatives on agriculture and assured that government will continue to support the farmers to promote the them to adopt modern and sustainable agricultural practices to enhance productivity and farm income.
Muhammad Ali Janjua, Chief Commercial Officer of FFC, elaborated the Sona Centre ecosystem, he explained that, in addition to providing quality inputs, a team of 300 agronomists is actively supporting farmers through modern agricultural guidance and AI-based digital advisory services. Sona Centre is the leader in actively endorsing role of women in field Agriculture, as part of it women empowerment initiative female Agronomists from reputed universities have been appointed in leadership roles. He further added that SonaCentres facilitate doorstep delivery of agricultural inputs, offer crop insurance services, and assist farmers in accessing bank financing ensuring convenient availability of agricultural loans at lower mark-up rates. Farmers were also briefed about the launch of the “SonaKissan App”, enabling online purchase of agricultural products. Additionally, features of SonaAgTech services, including satellite- and drone-based crop monitoring for informed crop management decisions and yield improvement, were shared. The interactive sessions received an encouraging and positive response from the farming community.
As part of the event, lucky draws were conducted for tractors, motorbikes, LEDs, and other valuable gifts under the farmers’ incentive scheme. Prizes were distributed among the winning farmers, adding enthusiasm and appreciation for farmer participation. The convention concluded with a vote of thanks, FaizanurRehmanSiddiqui – Chief Operating officer Sona Centre reaffirmed Sona Centre’s commitment to supporting farmers through reliable products, innovative services, and strong partnerships with the continuous support of the government. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers across Punjab, high level officials of Agriculture Department, stakeholders and FFC. Staff Report
