P@SHA’s latest policy brief, AgriTech Frontiers: Scaling Smart Farming in Gilgit-Baltistan, developed as part of its ongoing effort to promote inclusive innovation and regional development through technology. The brief builds on insights from a multi-stakeholder roundtable convened during the Gilgit Startup Summit 2025, bringing together AgriTech startups, government officials, researchers, development experts, and local farming communities. With agriculture being a critical yet fragile sector in GB – limited by terrain, short growing seasons, and lack of access to infrastructure and markets – the brief explores how targeted digital interventions can overcome systemic challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth.
This implementation-focused paper outlines five strategic pillars essential for driving agricultural transformation in the region: improving rural connectivity and infrastructure, deploying precision farming and smart tools, strengthening market access through value-added products and cold chain logistics, building local human capital with a focus on women and youth, and enabling innovation through adaptive policy frameworks and blended finance models. Through real-world case studies, investment scenarios, and stepwise action plans, the brief demonstrates how the adoption of AgriTech can lead to higher farm incomes, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved food security, while also positioning Gilgit-Baltistan as a testbed for climate-smart agriculture.
Designed for policymakers, investors, development partners, and technology providers, the brief presents a roadmap for inclusive, tech-enabled rural development that aligns with Pakistan’s broader goals for digital transformation and economic resilience. It calls for coordinated action across public and private sectors to ensure that the benefits of innovation are equitably distributed, particularly among smallholders, women farmers, and remote communities. With the right mix of vision, policy support, and investment, Gilgit-Baltistan can emerge not only as a hub for high-value agriculture but also as a national model for smart, sustainable farming in mountainous regions.