Concave AGRI was honored to take part in the Pulses Industry Development Strategy Project’s closing events, the Project Advisory Committee Meeting, Pulses Policy Dialogue, and Pulses Symposium, held on 18–19 August 2025 at Ramada Hotel, Islamabad.
Funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and led by the University of Queensland, Australia, this initiative brought together key partners including PARC, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), MNSUAM, COMSATS University Islamabad, University of Agriculture Tandojam, NARC, and other leading organizations. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Asif Ali, Chairperson, National Seed Development & Regulatory Authority, who also shared insights on the future outlook of Pakistan’s pulses sector.
During the sessions, Mr. Ali Iqbal, President of Concave AGRI, discussed how Concave AGRI is using its platforms Kissan Madadgar and Kissan Karobar to build strong connections with farmers, introduce digital solutions, and create direct market linkages for pulses crops. Dr. Mubashir Mehdi, an expert on value chain development, highlighted the role of digital market solutions and rural enterprise initiatives in strengthening the pulses value chain. Dr. Burhan Ahmad, National Project Leader from UAF, presented the project’s exit strategy and explained the way forward to sustain its long-term impact. Dr. Arshed Bashir, Policy Component Leader, presented the Implementation Plan of the Pulses Industry Development Strategy (PIDS), setting the foundation for policy direction and sectoral growth. Adding to this, Dr. Ghulam Sadiq Afridi, Chairman PARC, shared his vision on advancing Pakistan’s pulses sector through research-driven policies and institutional support. Concave AGRI, along with other stakeholders, will continue to actively promote the digital value chain and build strong alliances to take this mission forward.
The discussions also covered outcomes on value chain demonstration, gender and social inclusion, digital facilitation, and pulses policy development. The unveiling of the Pulses Industry Development Strategy (PIDS) marked a major milestone in building a competitive, inclusive, and resilient pulses sector in Pakistan.
Together with our partners, Concave AGRI is focused on creating better opportunities for farmers, stronger value chains, and a sustainable future for pulses in Pakistan.