Experts have warned that without rapid adoption of advanced agricultural technologies, countries risk falling behind in tackling food insecurity and climate-related challenges, as pressure mounts on traditional farming systems.
The consensus emerged at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering and Technologies (ICAET-2026), where national and international specialists stressed that modern tools are now essential for crop monitoring, climate adaptation and resource management.
Held at Sindh Agriculture University in collaboration with academic partners, the event highlighted a growing shift from conventional practices towards data-driven and precision-based agriculture. Participants argued that such a transition is necessary to improve productivity and build resilience against environmental constraints.
Among the key recommendations was the institutionalisation of artificial intelligence-based decision support systems. These tools, experts said, could optimise irrigation planning, enhance climate risk management and improve overall efficiency in agricultural operations.
Delegates also called for greater investment in data infrastructure, including weather stations, sensors and satellite monitoring systems. Such measures would support evidence-based policymaking and enable real-time assessment of crop health, water usage and climate risks.
Water management featured prominently in discussions. Specialists advocated for modern irrigation techniques, including water-saving technologies and scientifically designed scheduling systems, particularly in areas facing scarcity. The integration of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems was also highlighted as crucial for monitoring soil conditions, rainfall patterns and drought risks.
Speakers emphasised the importance of climate-smart agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Strengthening collaboration between industry, academia and farmers was identified as a key step in scaling up innovation and ensuring practical application of research.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal noted that precision management-determining the timing and quantity of inputs-has become central to modern agriculture. He pointed out that advanced tools are increasingly used globally to monitor environmental conditions and reduce post-harvest losses.
Other participants highlighted research trends focusing on sustainable engineering solutions, including deficit irrigation, automation and crop modelling. These approaches reflect a broader move towards efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
The conference concluded with a call for aligning academic research with measurable outcomes and national development priorities. Experts warned that without such alignment, the agricultural sector may struggle to meet the dual challenges of feeding a growing population and adapting to climate change.