Zeeshan Hasib Baig, Country General Manager, Syngenta Pakistan, on building a more resilient, farmer-first future for Pakistani agriculture.
Pakistan’s agriculture is at a pivotal moment. What will define its future?
Agriculture remains central to Pakistan’s economy and food security, but farmers today face growing challenges – from climate variability and evolving pest pressures to rising input costs and resource constraints. The future will be defined by our ability to build resilience through science, innovation and collaboration. Agriculture must become more productive, sustainable and farmer-centric, supported by strong partnerships between government, the private sector, academia and farmers themselves.
How can technology make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of Pakistan’s farmers?
Technology creates value when it solves real farming challenges. Digital agriculture enables farmers to make more informed and timely decisions, while AI and precision agriculture help reduce uncertainty and optimise the use of inputs. Through digital platforms like Cropwise Grower, which has over 1.7 million downloads, and our new agentic AI tool Savera, we are bringing agronomic expertise to farmers’ fingertips. This reflects Syngenta’s purpose: Breakthroughs for Farmers, in Every Field – making innovation practical, accessible and impactful.
How important are farmer education and on-ground engagement?
Innovation alone is not enough; adoption is equally important. Farmers need practical guidance, demonstrations and trusted local support to confidently embrace new technologies. With one of Pakistan’s largest field forces, Syngenta works directly with farmers to provide technical advice throughout the season. Through initiatives like our Spray Man Training Programme, as well as partnerships with academia and regulators, we also promote stewardship and the safe, responsible use of crop protection products.
How can greater investment in women farmers strengthen rural communities?
Women play a vital role across Pakistan’s agricultural value chain and should be recognised as key agricultural stakeholders. Investing in their knowledge and skills benefits entire households and strengthens rural communities. Over the past three months, the Syngenta Zarai Khawateen Sehat Program has already trained more than 250 rural women in the safe and responsible use of crop protection products, personal protective equipment, and health and hygiene. Agricultural development and community development must go hand in hand.
Can productivity and sustainability coexist?
Absolutely. At Syngenta, our sustainability ambition is Higher Yields, Lower Impact, because productivity and environmental stewardship should reinforce one another. We are helping conserve resources through efficient irrigation at our R&D Innovation Hubs, and through drone spraying projects with major food companies along the value chain that can reduce water use by up to 95 per cent. Combined with responsible crop protection, integrated crop management and biological solutions, sustainable agriculture means producing more while using fewer resources responsibly.
What role do partnerships play in accelerating progress?
Agriculture’s challenges cannot be solved by one organisation alone. Collaboration between government, academia, regulators, industry and the private sector is essential to scale innovation and share knowledge. At Syngenta, we work closely with public institutions and food companies through agricultural value chain partnerships to improve productivity, strengthen sustainability and create long-term value for farmers. Collective action is the key to lasting impact.
What gives you the greatest optimism about the future of Pakistan’s agriculture?
Pakistan has immense agricultural potential, and farmers are increasingly embracing innovation and digital technologies. There is also a growing focus on sustainability and climate resilience, while young people and women are playing a growing role in shaping the sector’s future. I am optimistic because of the power of science, collaboration and empowered farmers. The future of Pakistan’s agriculture will be built by farmers who have access to the right innovations, strong partnerships and sustainable practices.
