Sona Centre, a leading agricultural input supply channel, has successfully organised a Kissan Convention at Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore. Sona Centre serves as a sustainable balancing force, empowering small to medium-scale landholders to adopt innovative farming practices and enhance crop yields. Sona Centre leads the farming ecosystem, which provides quality fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides, and a team of 300 agronomists, including initiatives to promote gender diversity through the appointment of female agronomists in leadership roles.
It is also a pioneer in providing modern agri Advisory & guidance through AI-based digital platforms. Sona Centres facilitate doorstep delivery of agricultural inputs, offer crop insurance services, and assist farmers in accessing bank financing at lower mark-up rates. In a little over a year, 244 stores are operational across Pakistan. Such Initiatives are a global phenomenon, and with the support of the government and stakeholders, the aim is to ensure International standards of farming practicesare adopted in Pakistan
Mr. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Secretary, Agriculture, Government of Punjab, who participated as the chief guest, lauded FFC’s initiative of establishing a widespread network of Sona Centres across the country. He stated that Sona Centres have played a pivotal role in serving farmers and in developing Pakistan’s agriculture sector by ensuring the timely availability of quality inputs and integrated support systems.
He highlighted that providing quality fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides at MRP, coupled with advisory support and AI-based guidance, is a significant support for farmers. He also shared insights into various Chief Minister Punjab’s initiatives in agriculture and assured that the government will continue to support farmers in adopting modern, sustainable agricultural practices to enhance productivity and farm income.
Mr. Muhammad Ali Janjua, Chief Commercial Officer of FFC, elaborated the Sona Centre ecosystem, he explained that, in addition to providing quality inputs, a team of 300 agronomists is actively supporting farmers through modern agricultural guidance and AI-based digital advisory services. Sona Centre is a leader in actively promoting the role of women in agriculture. As part of its women’s empowerment initiative, female Agronomists from reputable universities have been appointed to leadership roles. He further added that Sona Centres facilitate doorstep delivery of agricultural inputs, offer crop insurance services, and assist farmers in accessing bank financing, ensuring convenient availability of agricultural loans at lower mark-up rates.
Farmers were also briefed about the launch of the “Sona Kissan App”, enabling online purchase of agricultural products. Additionally, features of Sona AgTech services, including satellite- and drone-based crop monitoring for informed crop management decisions and yield improvement, were shared. The interactive sessions received a positive and encouraging response from the farming community.
As part of the event, lucky draws were conducted for tractors, motorbikes, LEDs, and other valuable gifts under the farmers’ incentive scheme. Prizes were distributed among the winning farmers, adding enthusiasm and appreciation for farmer participation.
The convention concluded with a vote of thanks, Mr. Faizan ur Rehman Siddiqui – Chief Operating officer Sona Centre reaffirmed Sona Centre’s commitment to supporting farmers through reliable products, innovative services, and strong partnerships with the continuous support of the government. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers across Punjab, high-level officials of the Agriculture Department, stakeholders and FFC.
