Top Story
By Munawar Hasan
November 02, 2026
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SHEIKHUPURA: Pakistan’s tractor industry is moving toward a major technological shift, centered on improving fuel efficiency, telematics, and auto-steering capabilities.
This modernisation drive is led by Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited (AGTL), which recently inaugurated a ground-breaking Rs373 million Research & Development (R&D) facility near Lahore. Completed last year, the facility is one of the first of its kind in the country — an OEM-owned R&D and testing centre uniquely designed for engine, transmission and emissions testing in the automobile sector, with a focus on tractors.
During a media briefing to a select group of journalists, a team of engineers highlighted that the main goal was to optimise power transfer from the engine to agricultural implements under local conditions. For farmers, this means reduced fuel wastage during transmission, enhanced traction, and reliable power output through Power Take-Off (PTO) systems. Additionally, AGTL is exploring technology kits that enable farmers to upgrade their existing machinery and utilise it with new models.
The technical progress of this facility is overseen by Eng. Humera Zulfiqar, Head of Research and Development at the company. As one of the few female tech leaders in STEM and particularly in heavy engineering, Humera has established a pioneering benchmark for high-tech product development in the nation.
She emphasised that the facility was integrated into New Holland’s global network, providing access to worldwide advancements, which was crucial for tracking technologies in countries with conditions similar to Pakistan, like Turkey and India. “This dynamic linkage is enhancing tractors for local agricultural needs,” she stated, noting improvements in the hydraulic system for better mobility and horsepower compatibility.
The company is also developing plug-and-play auto-control systems for new and existing tractors, which may roll out in 2028. “We embrace change, as top management supports innovation to meet the agriculture sector’s evolving needs including requirements of large farm owners. With global expertise under the new CEO, we are poised to enhance tractor manufacturing with advanced features,” she added.
Furthermore, Humera highlighted that precision farming and mechanisation were priorities for fulfilling local and emerging demand from foreign buyers. “With insights from our R&D, we are targeting Central Asian markets, having already exported tractors to Uzbekistan. We aim to create standardised products in a systematic way for clients in Pakistan and similar global markets,” she noted.
The new facility, equipped with advanced tools, allows for pre-production testing by certified engineers. The use of 3D scanning, 3D printing, and reverse engineering greatly enhances AGTL’s prototyping capabilities. In response to consumer feedback gatheredtransmission and rear axles, hydraulic enhancements for 2026 models, and LED lights from 2027
Faraz Shah, General Manager Quality, highlighted the importance of quality assurance in evaluating components and raising supplier standards.
At the Dera Ghazi Khan facility, a coordinate measuring machine checks component dimensions against specifications to detect variations that could affect longevity. AGTL has also provided quality manuals to local vendors and invested in German machinery to extend gear lifespan.
Regulatory gaps, particularly the lack of a defined emission framework for off-road machinery, present challenges. Implementing cleaner engine standards will require balancing environmental goals with local fuel quality and agricultural conditions.
To address environmental issues, AGTL has launched a fleet of tractors for a crop-residue baling initiative with BioStacks, aimed at collecting agricultural stubble instead of burning crops.
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