The country’s first-ever agricultural startups are poised to unveil their ambitious plans aimed at attracting investment.
In a pioneering move set to redefine Pakistan’s agricultural landscape, the country’s first-ever agricultural startups are poised to unveil their ambitious plans aimed at attracting investment. Scheduled for next week, this groundbreaking event will feature a plethora of innovative business ideas aimed at revolutionizing the farm sector on modern lines.
Under the auspices of the Pakistan Agricultural Coalition (PAC), commercially scalable business models will take center stage, aiming to ignite growth in the nation’s agricultural sector. Arif Nadeem, Chief Executive Officer of PAC, outlined the overarching objective of the initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance exports, curtail imports, and bolster farmer profitability.
“This initiative is geared towards transforming agriculture, paving the way for increased exports, decreased imports, and enhanced profitability for farmers,” stated Nadeem during a press briefing on Friday.
The forthcoming two-day conference will witness the participation of leading businesses showcasing their innovative prowess in agriculture. Additionally, keynote speakers will delve into various topics pertinent to the sector, fostering an environment ripe for collaboration and growth.
In tandem with the main event, structured networking opportunities will be facilitated to foster connections between investors, farmers, startups, governmental bodies, donors, and industry experts. Notably, Agri-Connections 2024 will feature ‘ZarZaraat,’ a Shark Tank-style competition aimed at providing a platform for budding agri-startups to pitch their ideas for potential investment. Kazim Saeed, Strategy Advisor to the Pakistan Agricultural Coalition, shed light on the significance of this segment within the broader context of the conference.
“The ‘Shark Tank-style’ segment of Agri-Connections 2024 is aligned with our overarching theme, which underscores the active investment being made by Pakistan’s corporate sector in agriculture,” explained Saeed.
He continued, “Through ZarZaraat, we aim to showcase the abundance of innovative ideas within Pakistan’s agriculture sector, poised to catalyze transformative change given the requisite support and investment.”
With thirty-five applications received within the stipulated deadline, seven finalists were shortlisted with the assistance of Knowledge Partner A.F. Ferguson & Co. These finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their ventures to potential investors during Agri-Connections 2024, signaling a potential turning point for Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
Highlighting the significance of the conference, Nadeem reiterated that PAC, established in 2013, is committed to spearheading the transformation of Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Emphasizing the organization’s vision of a private-sector-led, technology-driven, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive agricultural landscape, Nadeem underscored PAC’s pivotal role in driving progress.
“PAC draws strength from robust industry linkages, access to the public sector, and strategic partnerships with leading farmer organizations. Moreover, our esteemed patrons, comprising Pakistan’s foremost business conglomerates with a collective turnover exceeding $10 billion, further bolster our endeavors,” stated Nadeem.
He elaborated on PAC’s multifaceted approach, which encompasses the development of business models and the cultivation of ecosystems conducive to the advancement of Pakistan’s agri sector. Beyond its core activities, PAC is sought after by governmental bodies, development organizations, and the private sector for advisory services pertaining to the agricultural domain, further underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the sector’s trajectory.
As Pakistan braces for the inaugural Agricultural Startups Showcase, anticipation mounts regarding the transformative potential it holds for the nation’s agricultural sector. With innovation and investment poised to take center stage, stakeholders are poised to witness a paradigm shift in the realm of agriculture, paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity.