Alkaram Group’s expansion into the agricultural machinery sector through the launch of Alkaram Farm Technologies (AKFT) represents a strategic move that goes beyond simple diversification. Known primarily for its dominance in fashion and home textiles, the group is now targeting the upstream supply chain of Pakistan’s agriculture sector, aiming to tackle the long-standing “Mechanization Gap” that has hindered productivity.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing around 24% to national GDP and employing nearly 37.4% of the workforce. Despite this significance, the sector struggles with low mechanization and productivity. A key indicator is farm power: while the FAO recommends 1.4 horsepower per acre for optimal yield, Pakistan’s available farm power is only 0.09 HP per acre. This shortfall helps explain why the country, despite being the world’s fifth-largest cotton producer, lags behind regional competitors in yields. Moreover, the domestic industry currently fulfills only 15% of agricultural machinery demand, leaving a significant market gap that Alkaram is now seeking to address.
What sets AKFT apart is its emphasis on precision agriculture rather than just mechanization. By introducing advanced agricultural drones, including the DJI Agras T50 and T25 series, the company is moving beyond traditional farming methods to improve efficiency and sustainability. These technologies target critical inefficiencies: precision spraying reduces labor intensity and chemical waste while minimizing environmental impact, and data-driven farming tools, such as the Mavic 3M for multispectral surveying, enable farmers to detect crop health issues early, improving yields and reducing losses.
Alkaram’s move into high-tech farming demonstrates a forward-looking approach that combines vertical integration, technological innovation, and market opportunity, positioning the group as a key player in bridging Pakistan’s mechanization deficit and advancing the agricultural sector toward modern, data-driven practices.
