Robotic agricultural machinery plant to be set up in Punjab

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz pays fruitful visit to Beijing focused on enhancing agriculture, healthcare sectors

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Our Correspondent
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A representational image of a farming robot working on the field in Aracatuba, Brazil August 7, 2023. — Reuters
A representational image of a farming robot working on the field in Aracatuba, Brazil August 7, 2023. — Reuters
  • Significant milestone achieved with during Maryam's visit to China. 
  • Partnership aims to set up facility to make robotic farm equipment. 
  • CM expresses resolve to revolutionise Punjab’s agriculture sector. 

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had a fruitful visit to Beijing on Monday, focused on advancing Punjab’s agricultural innovation, environmental conservation, and healthcare development, The News reported. 

During the visit, a significant milestone was achieved with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AI Force Tech, a leading Chinese enterprise, and the Punjab Agriculture Department. 

This partnership aims to set up a manufacturing facility in Punjab for robotic farming equipment, marking a major step towards supporting farmers and revolutionising the agricultural sector.

During her meeting with AI Force Tech founder Dr. Han and its CEO, the chief minister elaborated on the reforms in Punjab’s agriculture sector. She inspected cutting-edge robotic agricultural tools and assured the company of her government’s full support in setting up the manufacturing facility.

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz pictured with Chinese officials on an inspection visit for the largest agricultural machinery equipped with robotic technology. — Facebook@TheMaryamNSharif
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz pictured with Chinese officials on an inspection visit for the largest agricultural machinery equipped with robotic technology. — Facebook@TheMaryamNSharif

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her determination to revolutionise Punjab’s agriculture sector: “It is our commitment to making farmers prosperous by adopting modern agricultural technology.” She announced that a delegation from AI Force Tech would visit Punjab soon to advance this collaboration.

The chief minister also visited the Blue Tech Clean Air Alliance, where she met with Chairman Zi Hongsheng to discuss innovative methods to combat air pollution and address climate change. She highlighted her government’s ongoing initiatives to reduce pollution in Punjab, which received commendation from the Chinese side.

An MoU was signed between the Punjab Environment Department and the Blue Tech Clean Air Alliance to collaborate on environmental improvement projects in the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also explored advancements in cancer treatment during her visit. She met with Dr. Liu Fuliang, President of Hygea Medical Technologies, to discuss state-of-the-art interventional oncology methods. The company, renowned for its innovative cancer treatment technologies, presented a briefing on procedures like tumour freezing and heating, which have successfully treated over 10,000 patients in China.

The chief minister announced plans to introduce these technologies at Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital in Punjab, enabling non-invasive treatment options that eliminate the need for surgery or chemotherapy.

“The Hygea method of treatment offers a revolutionary approach to cancer care, ensuring a higher recovery rate and minimal discomfort for patients,” she said, appreciating the success of the technology in over 100 hospitals across 25 Chinese provinces.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s initiatives in Beijing mark significant progress in agriculture, environmental management, anti-corruption, and healthcare for Punjab, reinforcing her commitment to the province’s development and prosperity.

Meanwhile, on the Anti-Corruption Day, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz underscored the importance of eliminating corruption for national development. In her message, she said: “Corruption reflects not only a moral decline but is also a killer of a nation’s development. It damages national resources and erodes public trust. A zero-tolerance policy against corruption has been adopted from day one.”

She emphasised strict measures to combat corruption, the introduction of KPIs to ensure transparency and accountability, and the resultant improvements in public service efficiency. “Our goal is a corruption-free, developed, and prosperous Punjab,” she affirmed, urging every individual to contribute to cleansing society of corruption.