Published by: Rija Sohaib

The Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) Dera Ismail Khan has inaugurated a crawler-type rice combine harvester imported from China, marking a major step toward modernizing agriculture in the region.

Director of Agricultural Research, Abdul Qayum Khan, attended the ceremony and praised the initiative. He stressed that adopting efficient, field-friendly technologies is essential to support local farmers. “Mechanized farming is no longer an option but a necessity. This trial will guide us in selecting suitable technologies for our local soil and climatic conditions,” he said.

Farm Manager Sibghat Ullah Alizai supervised the field demonstration, which tested the harvester’s performance during rice (paddy) harvesting. The crawler-type combine harvester completed cutting, threshing, and cleaning in a single cycle. It performed well in soft, muddy, and waterlogged fields—conditions that often challenge traditional machines.

Technical staff noted that the new harvester can significantly reduce labor needs and improve the quality and speed of rice harvesting in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Director expressed hope that such innovations would speed up the adoption of modern farming tools, leading to higher crop yields and better livelihoods for local farmers.

ARI officials said further evaluations will continue to assess the machine’s long-term feasibility before it is introduced on a larger scale.

Published Date: November 4, 2025