Chengdu Yihe to Launch Advanced UAV Research Center in Pakistan

By Tanveer Ahmed :

A landmark partnership was finalized on January 2, 2026, as China’s Chengdu Yihe Technology Co. Ltd. signed a tri-party Intent of Cooperation (IoC) with the University of Sargodha (UoS) and Pak Agro Fertilizer and Chemical Industries. This agreement marks a major leap in Pakistan’s journey toward agricultural modernization through advanced drone and robotic systems.

The Hub of Innovation: New Research & Training Center

Under the newly signed agreement, Chengdu Yihe Technology will establish a dedicated Research and Training Center at the University of Sargodha. This center is designed to be a “knowledge bridge,” focusing on:

Hands-on Training: Equipping students and faculty with the skills to operate and maintain high-tech drone systems.
Applied Research: Developing localized software and AI models specifically for Pakistan’s unique terrain and crop patterns.
Technology Transfer: Ensuring that the intellectual property and technical “know-how” are shared with local experts.

Manufacturing the Future: UAV & UGV Production

Beyond academia, the partnership includes a heavy industrial component. A Drone Technology Manufacturing Facility will be set up in Sargodha in collaboration with Pak Agro Fertilizer and Chemical Industries.

The facility will produce:

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Specifically designed for precision pesticide spraying and crop health monitoring.
Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs): Autonomous robots for soil analysis and automated harvesting.
Smart Mechanization Tools: Modern equipment to replace traditional, labor-intensive farming methods.

Strategic Impact on Pakistan’s Economy

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas noted that this initiative—born from a recent high-level delegation visit to China—will revolutionize the “Kinnow” (citrus) capital of Pakistan. By integrating drones, farmers can:

Reduce Waste: Precise spraying uses 30–40% less pesticide than manual methods.
Increase Yield: Early detection of crop diseases via satellite-linked drones can save entire harvests.
Create Jobs: The manufacturing plant is expected to create hundreds of technical jobs for local engineers and technicians.

Building on Global Partnerships

This IoC is part of a broader series of 2026 agreements between the University of Sargodha and various Chinese firms, including plans for a medical equipment manufacturing facility and a joint software house for AI development.