China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) | Agriculture

[FuturePAF]

More dams and canals also need to be built to bring Arable land from 45 million acres to 70 million acres as outlined in the “Pakistan Flood control system”. It will be crucial if Pakistan is to be able to deal with a potential population nearly doubling in the next 30-40 years.

A navigable canal near the Indus in the area of Peshawar (could be linked with Lahore across northern Punjab) and go all the way down to near Karachi and across to Gwadar, making a navigable inland waterway that would cut down transportation costs, and help bring the Makran coastal area into productive agricultural use. With a navigable canal, inland cities could almost be considered “coastal cities”, allowing their industrial and agricultural output to get to market easier and the need to locate factories along the actual coasts less necessary. It would also help large parts of central and western Pakistan into the industrial belt of the nation, allowing the nation to save a lot of current agricultural land from being turned into industrial land.

Also a lot of work is being down to raise crop yields by Pakistani organizations.

 

[ghazi52]

YANGLING, CHINA: A 14-day online training course on water-saving agriculture for Pakistan kicked off recently.

The training course has been sponsored by Chinese Ministry of Commerce and organised by the international exchange centre of Yangling Demonstration Zone, Shaanxi province, China.

The 48 trainees are from Pakistani universities and institutions. At the training course, they will communicate and discuss the water-saving irrigation techniques and the development of trend of water-saving agriculture with Chinese experts from Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China.

Yangling has made active exploration in water-saving irrigation, integration of water and fertiliser and efficient use of water resource in recent years, and achieved remarkable results while accumulating a lot of experience, said Yangling Demonstration Zone senior official He Ling.

He hoped that China and Pakistan would share the experience and methods in water-saving agriculture, deepen the pragmatic cooperation and make more contributions to the development of China and Pakistan’s modern agriculture. “This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan,” said Shaanxi province Commerce Department Vice Director Sun Jinghu while attending the opening ceremony of the training.

“We hope this training will enhance the two nations’ exchanges and understanding and boost the extensive cooperation of scientific research institutions in modern agriculture.”

 

[ghazi52]

China to help Pakistan in Agricultural Transformation Plan (ATP)​

January 21, 2022




ISLAMABAD: National Food Security Minister Syed Fakhr Imam on Wednesday annexed much of the success of the government’s Agricultural Transformation Plan (ATP) to the collaboration of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and said the move would be a game-changer for Pakistan.

“We need to exchange expertise on mechanisation, new variety development and germplasm. By seeking assistance from China, which leads the world in agriculture mechanisation, Pakistan can catapult its agriculture sector through learning from their knowledge and experience,” Mr Imam said while chairing the 16th meeting of the National Coordination Committee on ATP.

The government has mandated the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) to negotiate the agreement of cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. PARC Chairman Dr Ghulam Amjad told Dawn that a memorandum of understanding has been drafted and shared with the Chinese Academy for finalisation.

Dr Amjad said under the MoU, Pakistan will seek Chinese cooperation in the development of crop varieties, animal breed improvement, collaboration in further development of agricultural machinery and improvement of capacity development and training. It is likely that when the MoU is signed, the Chinese Academy would establish its office at the National Agricultural Research Centre in Islamabad.

The minister said the quality of seed was one of the primary factors that decided the productivity of a crop. For improving the productivity of crops, the quality and provision of high-quality seed must be enhanced, he added.

The meeting was informed that upgraded seed processing plants will be in place by next year for Punjab Seed Department.

 

[ghazi52]

Chinese Yunnan province assists Pakistan to boost wheat production​

January 28, 2022
APP

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BEIJING, Jan. 27 (APP): The production of wheat, Pakistan’s most important crop, is expected to rise with Sino-Pak cooperation this year, according to China’s Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (YAAS).

Yunnan and Pakistan have similarities in climate, wheat variety characteristics, cultivation conditions, meanwhile confronted with shared challenges including stripe rust, drought, high temperature, etc. Therefore, both wheat varieties and technologies can be directly applied to each other, Luo Yanjie, Head of YAAS International Cooperation Division, told CEN.

Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (YAAS) and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) started cooperation in 2014. They have been closely cooperating in food crop, cash crop, plant protection, biotechnology and socio-economic development for more than seven years.

In 2016, two among fourteen Chinese wheat DH varieties introduced to Pakistan entered the country’s regional test. Simultaneously, ten Pakistani wheat varieties were brought to China, among which three anti-stripe rust varieties were selected. Especially, in 2017, via China National Seed Group Co., Ltd., Yunnan Hybrid Wheat No. 12 variety was grown in Pakistan on a trial basis. Results showed a 32% increase in production compared with local varieties.

Academically, through cooperative research, the two sides have jointly published four SCI papers and publications on drought relief, rust disease, and hybrid wheat, etc.
The exchanges of agricultural experts between Yunnan and Pakistan also have been playing an important role in enhancing agricultural cooperation. So far, 10 Pakistani scientists from PARC and University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, etc. came to Yunnan for joint agricultural research.

After they returned to Pakistan, they have been continuously contributing to Pakistan’s agricultural development and Sino-Pak agricultural cooperation.
This year, three Pakistani young scientists will arrive in Yunnan later for further research, which comprises nearly one third of the total overseas scientists who have been approved to come to YAAS.

Next, by establishing joint laboratory and joint research center, the two sides will further strengthen advanced Chinese wheat breeding technology, wheat disease prevention and control technology’s application in Pakistan to help improve mutual food security.

Through fully tap and utilize both China and Pakistan’s wheat gene characteristics, we will further consolidate the joint research of wheat breeding especially resistance breeding such as disease resistance, insect resistance, drought resistance and lodging resistance, high-yield breeding, and multi-functional breeding, etc., Luo said.

 

[ghazi52]

CPEC – a hope for boosting tea plantation​

Pak-China collaboration will help reduce huge spending on tea imports

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DR MUHAMMAD KHURSHID
February 14, 2022

A view of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. Photo courtesy CPEC Chairman Lieutenant General (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa Twitter

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis have proved to be real tea lovers not only in drinking it regularly two to three times a day, but also offer it to the visiting guests as the best source of hospitality.

Pakistan is now ranked among the top tea importing and consuming countries with total tea imports valuing at $590 million.
The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) reported that Pakistan was among the top seven countries where tea consumption had increased significantly and estimated a rise in per capita consumption of 35.8% from 2007 to 2016.
Tea has emerged as a major import commodity and is draining huge foreign exchange every year, therefore, the government has proposed a tea cluster in the agricultural transformation report published by the Planning Commission in 2020.

Tea plantation and processing have already proved successful in northern Pakistan, however, its commercialisation under the market mechanism needs the attention of decision-makers.

Though the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) has established a tea estate over an area of 50 acres along with green and black tea processing units, with the technical and financial assistance of China, at Shinkiari in Mansehra, it is yet to be adopted by the private sector on a sustainable basis.

During the soil survey from 1986 to 1989, a team of tea experts from Pakistan and China tested 64 sites in Hazara and Swat, and identified an area of around 64,000 hectares for tea planting in Mansehra.

Under the Chinese technical assistance, experts from the Tea Research Institute, Hangzhou, China worked during 1986-89 in Shinkiari and established the National Tea Research Institute (NTRI).

Mandated for research only, NTRI is well equipped and staffed for managing a small tea estate spread over 50 acres as well as green and black tea processing units. NTRI is now serving as a research base for tea culture in Pakistan.

The federal government has also engaged private sector companies for experimentation and commercialisation of tea, however, the pace and quantum of commercialisation has been very slow.

Therefore, unlike other tea-growing countries, Pakistan could not see the commodity’s production on a commercial scale in the past over 35 years since the establishment of NTRI and tea research stations in Shinkiari.

Commercialisation of tea is highly sustainable as it has social, economic and environmental benefits. Major social benefits include job creation for millions of unemployed youth and provision of a healthy drink loaded with antioxidants.

The economic impact includes self-sufficiency in tea production, which will not only help in resource mobilisation at the domestic level but will also reduce the import bill, thereby saving foreign currency.
Environmental benefits are increased oxygen production, controlling soil erosion in the hilly terrain suited for tea plantation, landscape and aesthetic impact on the soil surface, which will attract tourists.
Pakistan did try to commercialise tea in Mansehra, Swat and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) where suitable land was available and a project was also approved by Ecnec in 2007-08.

Under the project, the then government agreed to provide state land on lease to the interested private tea companies on a long-term lease but in the middle of project implementation, the subject of agriculture was devolved to provinces and since then the project has remained shelved.

Availability of a large piece of land spread over hundreds of acres at one place is a real challenge that the government must address as due to land fragmentation such large pieces of land are rarely available with private land owners in the hilly areas.

The options left are either to acquire a large piece of land or lease forest waste lands to the private tea growers.

Another option is cooperative tea farming, which is done in many countries, but that too requires huge support for establishing an industrial base for tea processing.

Pak-China cooperation

Now that China is fully engaged with Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan can easily benefit from the expertise and resources that Beijing possesses as all potential tea growing areas lie on both sides of CPEC route, providing an easy access to markets.

In addition, China has already established NTRI in Shinkiari and it will love to adopt it for a B2B venture in the agriculture sector. The expert, who led the Chinese team during 1986-1989, has expressed his willingness to visit Pakistan again.

At a Zoom seminar, organised by the China-Pakistan Agricultural and Industrial Cooperation Information Platform on June 23, 2021, the participants from Pakistan and China emphasised the need for cooperation in the commercialisation of tea in Pakistan.

The discussion sparks hope that China is willing to support Pakistan in this area too.

The major issue in the way is not the ecological suitability of land for tea production, but the availability of required privately owned land at one place.


Land fragmentation due to successive shares in inheritance has reduced the private ownership of land to a bare minimum, which is not sufficient for establishing a commercial tea estate.
In addition, the storage of water upstream and land development require spending of a huge amount of resources that no one is ready to bear for a crop that may need investment for five years to produce leaves for plucking on a commercial scale.

Latest technology including the tea processing and blending units will also have to be imported to initiate tea processing on a commercial scale.

The way forward is that the governments of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and AJK should identify suitable pieces of waste land of the forest department for long-term lease to the potential tea-growing companies, as that arrangement had already been made under a PSDP project from 2007-08 to 2012-13.

CPEC may provide technical and financial support under B2B or any other suitable mode while the tea cluster approach proposed by the agricultural transformation plan can also be implemented.

The government of Pakistan, K-P and AJK should provide all the required support to the private tea growers, offer at least 10-year tax-free regime for the promotion of tea industry and duty-free import of raw tea for blending, tea machinery, raw material for tea blending and promote exports, which will help the industry to take off.

This way Pakistan may enjoy its home-grown tea on a commercial basis and reduce or even eliminate foreign exchange spending on tea imports.

It is quite possible, given a huge area suitable for tea plantation, to increase production to a level where Pakistan can not only meet its own requirements but can also export tea of high quality.
The writer is a PhD in natural resources management and masters in forestry besides serving as divisional forest officer in K-P


Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2022.

 

[ghazi52]

China is fully engaged with Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan can easily benefit from the expertise and resources that Beijing possesses as all potential tea growing areas lie on both sides of the CPEC route, providing easy access to markets.

Furthermore, China has already established NTRI in Shinkiari and it will love to adopt it for a B2B venture in the agriculture sector. The expert, who led the Chinese team during 1986-1989, has expressed his willingness to visit Pakistan again.

 

[ghazi52]

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Cabinet approves lease of state land for corporate farming under CPEC​

Dawn.com
March 2, 2022

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar chairs a meeting of the cabinet on Tuesday...

LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet on Tuesday approved leasing out of state land for corporate farming under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The cabinet which met under the chair of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar directed a ministerial committee to devise the lease rules while approving 500 to 5,000 acres of land for corporate farming to create job opportunities and to modernise the agriculture sector for food security.

The issue of corporate farming under CPEC was pending since the PML-N government, which had set up a special cell at the agriculture department to work out modalities for the purpose and had planned to establish seven agro-economic zones along the CPEC route to take full advantage of the development opportunity coming its way by promoting high-value agriculture and related businesses there.

The department also tried to woo investment from China by offering partnerships in organic farming, hi-tech agricultural mechanization industry for domestic as well as export purposes, development of precision and high-value agriculture, development & production of seed and seed technology (hybrid and open pollinated varieties), manufacturing of pesticides and fertilizer units along the CPEC route, and processing units for value-addition of agriculture products along the CPEC route.

The cabinet also decided to declare unclassified forests as protected forests along with declaring Namal Lake a wetland. It was decided to transfer rare birds from the first schedule to the third schedule and from the fourth schedule to the third schedule under Punjab Wildlife Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management Amendment Act, 2007.

Mr Buzdar sought a policy for giving proprietary rights to the dwellers of katchi abadis in the next meeting while the cabinet also approved the Punjab Sahulat Bazaar Authority Act, 2021. The chief minister and industries minister would be the chairman and vice-chairman of the authority.

The cabinet forwarded the issue of determination of eligibility and constitution of the search committee for posting vice-chancellor of University of Health Science, Lahore, to the law department and accorded approval to amendment in Punjab Regularization of Service Act, 2018. Under it, it has been decided to amend rules to make permanent the contract employees of some departments.

The cabinet approved amendments to the birth control policy for pie-dogs, Punjab Road Safety Authority Act, 2020, and Punjab Drugs Rules, 2007. A technical supplementary grant was also approved.

It also decided to amalgamate technical and vocational institutions at one platform and the reconstitution of the district consumer protection council and Punjab Private Schools Regulatory Authority.

The participants approved austerity measures for 2021-22 and expansion of the scope of the Waseela Taleem programme of secondary education and Punjab Examination Business Rules, 2021. Upgrade of different posts in the light of recommendations of the ACS-led committee and of telephone operators of all the departments were also approved. Similarly, the upgrade of prisons and other departments were also endorsed.


Approval was granted to give DDO powers to SHOs along with the approval of 720 posts of accountants (senior clerks in grade 14).

The matter of transfer of land for the Murree judicial complex was sent to the ministerial committee. The cabinet declared Tilla Reserve Forest in Kotla Jogian a national park.

Transfer of land for a model police station, arazi centre and Rescue 1122 station in Gujrat area of Kot Addu was approved.

Similarly, approval was granted to depute staff for Phase II of the national programme for the improvement of watercourses in Pakistan (Punjab component) under PSDP and ADP.

The meeting gave its nod to the auction of the pesticides procured for anti-locust operations in Punjab. Amendment in Punjab Luxury House Tax Rules, 2014 and establishment of accreditation committee of higher education department was approved along with approval to amend sub-clause 3 of Punjab Finance Act, 2021. At least a 95 per cent exemption on the token tax of electric vehicles in Punjab was approved.

The meeting approved: the annual report 2019-20 of PCTB; AGP audit report for 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20; information system audit report for 2019-20 about bus schedule system and automatic fare collection of PMA; special audit report about corona expenditures for 2019-20; annual report of 2019 of Punjab Baitul Maal Council; annual audit and performance report of PJA for 2016-17 and 2017-18 and annual reports of Punjab Commission on the Status of Women for 2019 and 2020.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2022

 

[ghazi52]

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Hybrid wheat to revolutionize the agriculture sector in Pakistan​

Admin
Mar 1, 2022

BEIJING: (PEN) We have submitted our hybrid wheat varieties to Pakistan’s government for approval,” said Guard Group CEO Malik Ali.

“Once we gain approval, we will start production of hybrid wheat in Pakistan in collaboration with Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS),” CEO of the agricultural giant said.

“We hope that like hybrid rice, hybrid wheat will also bring a revolution in the agriculture sector of Pakistan.”

Till now, five research stations have been established and field work has been carried out on high-yielding varieties that are tolerant to heat, drought and salinity.

“So far, we have finalised four hybrid wheat varieties and achieved about 40% increase in the yield of wheat that we breed.”

On hybrid agricultural varieties, the Guard Group has a successful model of its own to follow. The company is the largest producer of hybrid rice in Pakistan.

Since 2002, it has been working together with Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Company, a Chinese seed group named after the renowned pioneer researcher in hybrid rice Yuan Longping, for research, production and commercialisation of hybrid rice in Pakistan.

Now, the hybrid rice seeds have reached the international market.

“Pakistan has experienced a rice revolution with the hybrid technology from China as our companies are exporting rice to almost 48 countries around the world. Pakistan earns about $2.04 billion in foreign exchange from hybrid rice export,” shared Ali.

He hoped to apply the experience of hybrid rice to hybrid wheat. “Hopefully in next two years, we will bring about a revolution in wheat crop.”

Wheat is a staple food that has an important bearing on national food security. According to a report of China Pakistan Agricultural and Industrial Cooperation Platform (CPAIC), in 2020, the BAAFS-Guard experimental wheat base in Pakistan was greeted with a bumper harvest.

Compared with the best local wheat variety, Beijing hybrid wheat features 90% less seed sowing and 20% higher yield. This can help Pakistan save plentiful land for planting other agricultural products, which is of great significance to food security in Pakistan.

“We choose to cooperate with China because it is a leading country in the world in terms of agricultural production and technology,” Ali said.

“Besides, the second phase of CPEC with agriculture sector as one of its focuses will provide more opportunities in joint research and bilateral trade of agri products.”...

 

[ghazi52]

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Gansu to share agricultural expertise with Pakistan​

Both sides have similar climates, crop types, environment

March 20, 2022

PHOTO: AGENCIES

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Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS) and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) discussed a roadmap for boosting agricultural cooperation in the future, with advanced Chinese technologies to be transferred to Pakistan.

Gansu and Pakistan share similarities in climate, crop types and environment. According to Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences Vice President Fan Tinglu, high-yielding crop varieties of wheat, potato, corn, oilseed, cotton and various technologies of efficient use of water and fertiliser on dry land would hopefully be introduced to Pakistan.

The official added that solar greenhouse, fruit and vegetable storage and cold chain logistics would be focused as well.

“Many technologies from Gansu have been introduced to Pakistan and achieved promising results,” Fan Tinglu. In this regard, he gave the expmple of the technology of farmland water utilisation and regulation with plastic-film mulching on dry land.

“We sincerely hope our cooperation with IUB contribute to both food security and agricultural development in the future,” the official said.

Vice Chancellor of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur Dr Athar Mahboob said that the area where IUB was located was facing soil, water and climatic challenges and Chinese technology could play a positive part in the region.

“IUB is looking forward to working with the Chinese counterparts. We want to learn from the Chinese experience and advanced technologies to improve our local conditions and food security,” Mahboob said. Last year, IUB already established cooperative ties with Sichuan Agricultural University (SAU) specialized in intercropping technology. Now, the Sino-Pak agricultural cooperation is steadily expanding through more linkages being forged.

Based on a series of investigation and research by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Gansu, there is enormous potential to develop cooperation in agriculture to fuel the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) phase II which focuses on improving people’s livelihoods. Simultaneously supported by the Pakistani Embassy in China, it is believed the agricultural cooperation between Gansu and Pakistan would blossom.

It has been learned that a memorandum of understanding between GAAS and IUB is on the way to kick off the cooperation in an efficient and practical way.


Published in The Express Tribune, March 20th, 2022.

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[ghazi52]

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Chin will help Latest Technology in Agriculture.

“Sorghum could be processed into bakery products, puffed food, beverages, porridge and so on..

April 18, 2022

Federal government is taking measures for smooth supply of urea at affordable prices to help farmers in the planting of wheat crop.

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As agricultural countries China and Pakistan are currently facing the same challenges – growing food demand and tight agricultural land jointly threaten food security.

In addition to the three major staple foods in the world, a crop has gradually attracted attention – sorghum.
As an indispensable dry food crop, sorghum is second only to wheat, corn, rice and barley in China in terms of planting area and output.

Agricultural experts call it “the camel of crops” based on its numerous excellent qualities such as resistance to pests and diseases, high temperature, cold, and salinity.

“Sorghum is a multi-purpose crop that can play an important role in food and fodder provision. At a time when the world is facing the dual challenges of the epidemic and food crisis, it is a win-win choice to incorporate this multi-purpose crop into the CPEC cooperation framework and add another layer of guarantee to the food security of China and Pakistan,” which was the consensus shared by experts on the Symposium on Sorghum Industry Development of China and Pakistan organised recently.

According to Dr Shahzor Gul, Assistant Professor, Institute of Food Sciences and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University, Pakistan, as the climatic conditions are excellent for sorghum production and emerging water shortage has necessitated the production of sorghum on a wide scale, this cash crop means the most affordable option.

“In Pakistan, about 5.4 tonnes of sorghum is produced per hectare, more than wheat and rice, which have 3 and 2.2 tonnes per hectare, respectively. Meanwhile, because wheat is mainly a winter crop and sorghum is primarily a summer crop, demand for sorghum is significantly lower, and there is no direct competition,” Gul told CEN.

However, he pointed out that sorghum yields in Pakistan are still meagre due to the lack of better cultivators, an insufficient plant population, unscientific fertiliser application, lack of weed control techniques and water conservation procedures. In addition, Gul indicated that the consumption pattern of sorghum is quite traditional, and it is not available as a commercially processed food in the Pakistani market.

“This is mainly due to the lack of processing technologies and availability of machinery. And sorghum has not been used in our beverage and baking food industry due to a variety of factors including lack of awareness and taste.

“There are not much sorghum grain processing plants in Pakistan. This industry holds immense potential to offer employment to hundreds of thousands people.” Similar views are echoed by Dr Shahzad Sabir from the Punjab Agriculture Department.
“Punjab and Sindh are the major sorghum producing provinces of Pakistan, contributing 47% and 26% respectively of the total,” he said.

“On the other hand, in 2019, we exported $23,500 in sorghum, making Pakistan the 53rd largest exporter of sorghum in the world. In the same year, sorghum was the 91st most exported product in Pakistan. Obviously, it is far from meeting expectations, especially in the face of growing global food crisis. Countless opportunities are waiting for us to discover together.”

“In 2020-21, we have carried out planting trials of more than 10 sorghum varieties in Pakistan and achieved preliminary results. Of these, five varieties – 01, 02, 03, 04, and 12 – performed better,” said Yuan Guobao, Vice Chairman of the Council and Chairman of the Committee of Agricultural Experts at the NEXT Federation, in an exclusive interview with CEN.

“The tannin content of domestically grown sorghum is generally around 1.3% to 1.6%, however, according to trial data, benefiting from local excellent light and temperature conditions, the tannin number can climb up to 2.3%. Given that the important role of tannin in food processing and industrial production, we can promote the cultivation of these varieties in Pakistan, and then ship them back to China for further processing.”

At the symposium a few days ago, Yuan not only systematically introduced the preliminary results of planting trials, but also pointed out the multiple economic benefits brought by possible large-scale planting in the future.

“The superior drought, barren and saline-alkaline tolerance of Chinese hybrid sorghum varieties makes it a good choice for Pakistan’s water-deficient and saline-alkali areas.

“Secondly, Pakistan has a vast rice-growing area. In some areas in the south near the Indian Ocean, after rice is harvested, sorghum can be planted in autumn and winter, thus the income of local farmers can be increased by crop rotation. If the planting area can be expanded in the future, the offshore area means that our ships will be more convenient to transport the processed sorghum and save transportation costs. Beyond doubt, it is an excellent model of cooperation with multiple economic benefits, increasing Pakistan’s foreign exchange effectively.”

According to Yuan, if large-scale planting of China’s dominant varieties can be realised in Pakistan, it is conservatively estimated that the local production will increase by about 50%.

Even better, the high tannin content in sorghum means this kind of strong-smelling and astringent chemical has natural resistance to birds and insects. Similar to the pest control effect of garlic, it is of great benefit to the effective control of insect attack.

It is just a tip of the iceberg of opportunities for Pakistan’s sorghum industry. Yuan mentioned that China implements active quota management on the import of rice, corn and wheat. Sorghum is under non-import quota management and only needs a bilateral quarantine agreement for import.

According to statistics released by the General Administration of Customs of China, from January to December 2021, China’s sorghum import volume was 9.42 million tons, up 4.61 million tons or 95.8% compared with 2020.

The import amount was $3.027 billion, an increase of $1.871 billion or 161.9% compared with 2020.

Based on the planting, experts from China and Pakistan agreed that it is crucial to further develop downstream deep processing industries and create more employment opportunities in the future.

Although imports have surged, processed products have not been included. “If agricultural joint ventures are established in countries along the Belt and Road, subsidies will be provided to processing lines, which will benefit the sorghum processing industry,” Yuan told CEN.

Dr Shahzor Gul specifically stated, “Sorghum could be processed into bakery products, puffed food, beverages, porridge and so on. And introduction of new technologies can remove the constraints of traditional processing methods, at the same time improve the nutrient content and shelf-life of products. We are blessed with a wide scope for cooperation.”

At present, the blueprint of China-Pakistan sorghum cooperation has drawn a strong first stroke. “Our first step, the sorghum planting training programme for Pakistani students is progressing smoothly, with the high-quality seed sources as the top priority. People engaged in agricultural science often say that ‘seeds are the chips of agriculture’, and I believe that the day when China-Pakistan sorghum cooperation bear fruit is not too far away,” Yuan concluded confidently.
The article originally appeared on the China Economic Net

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2022.
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[ghazi52]

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Cauliflower opens up new chapter for China-Pak agri tie up​

Grower says Chinese varieties increasing their incomes

April 26, 2022

While, bitter gourd, cauliflower, taro roots (arvi), ladyfingers, green chillies and potatoes also showed marginal increase in prices. PHOTO: INP
TIANJIN: “Pakistan imports more than 90% of the cauliflower seeds. Hybrid varieties are what we are badly in need of. Now, the major market share belongs to China. They can provide comparatively cheaper seeds,” noted Muhammad Muzaffar Raza, a science officer of Vegetable Research Institute at Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI).

His viewpoint was echoed by a leading grower Farman Khan, “since we planted Chinese varieties, our income has greatly increased. Our market is in short supply of Chinese cauliflower seeds frequently.”

As a main vegetable on the table of Pakistanis, local cauliflower varieties in Pakistan have a long growth cycle and low yields, while high-end hybrid varieties are mostly monopolised by Western developed countries. However, cauliflower seeds of high quality from Tianjin have spanned a distance of nearly 4,500 kilometres and took root in Pakistan.

“Since 2016, we have cooperated with Pakistan on cauliflower hybrid planting by carrying out experiments, demonstrations and promotions in multiple growing seasons. So far, our orders have doubled several times,” said Sui Liying, Executive Deputy General Manager of Tianjin Tianlong Zaitian Agricultural Science and Technology Company, in an exclusive interview with China Economic Net.

“The yield per mu (0.067 hectares) of local varieties is 600-700 kilograms, while that of our varieties is basically 1,300-2,000 kilograms with certain late maturing variety even reaching 3,000-4,000 kilograms.”

“In the past, Pakistan used to think the quality of Chinese seeds seemed to be not as good as that of European countries and the US, but now they have changed this perception.”

“Our seed variety has a germination rate of 90%, above the international standard of 85%. You buy the seeds at a low price, but their survival rate is high. Farmers can get a double advantage.”

Pakistani farmers choose Chinese seeds not only because of low prices. “If you only rely on low prices to occupy the market, but the quality is not guaranteed, you will soon be eliminated from the market.” In this regard, Liying also proposed corresponding measures.

“Pakistan is located in South Asia, where the temperature is relatively high, so insects multiply rapidly, resulting in pests and diseases that seriously affect agricultural output.”
THE ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE CHINA ECONOMIC NET

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2022.

 

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Pakistani olive oil farmers eying cooperation with China​

The Frontier Post

BEIJING (APP): China’s demand for Pakistani olive oil is high and as long as Pakistan has market demand or export demand, cooperation with China is absolutely imperative, said Zhou Ning, Marketing Director at Green Organic Food.

In addition to market, Pakistani farmers need Chinese agricultural technology and investment. Syed Yousaf Ali, a farmer with a 100-acre estate said that he is now using a Chinese machine that picks olives of different sizes. “Compared with other agricultural machines around the world, Chinese machines are inexpensive.”
Farhan Pasha, the scientific officer in charge of the olive program at the Barani Agricultural Research Institute, on the other hand, talking to China Economic Net (CEN) hoped to cooperate with China in terms of cold-pressing technology, pest control and other agricultural technologies.
Against the backdrop of successful cultivation of cash crops such as chili peppers, a joint venture between China and Pakistan for olive cultivation and processing is also a viable solution. Dr. Ramzan Ansari believes that it would be a win-win result for both countries if they receive assistance from China and start production here.
On a macro level, the cooperation between the two countries in the olive industry holds even greater potential. Dr. Ramzan Ansari suggested that some areas with high agricultural potential, including the Potohar region, could become exclusive agricultural zones under the China Pakistan Economic Corridoor (CPEC).

Pakistan’s nascent olive oil industry, although a late starter, has played a visible role in Pakistan’s food security and even economic recovery, as Inam ul Haq said, “If we can stop importing olive oil and make ourselves self-sufficient, then it will be an olive revolution for us. “
Pakistan’s annual vegetable oil consumption amounts to 5 million tons, while the share of some less-consumed vegetable oils such as mustard oil is about 400,000 tons. Thirty percent of the demand is satisfied by domestically produced oilseeds, while the remaining seventy percent is met by imports. Due to the increase in import prices, it is a severe test for Pakistan’s foreign trade deficit and foreign exchange reserves.

Pakistan, which has a large area of land suitable for growing olive trees, has been producing olive oil since 2010 with the help of countries such as Italy and Spain. Currently, it produces about 1,500 tons of olive oil and 830 tons of table olives per year, all of which are consumed domestically. Pakistan has set a target of producing 16,000 tons of olive oil by 2027.

Syed Yousaf Ali has been growing olives since 2006. In his opinion, the olive tree has low requirements of land.

Another farmer, Malik Shafiq, described the olive tree as a “tough plant”. It was an uneven wasteland when he started planting it a decade ago. “It is not affected by the worst weather conditions. It can grow in the wasteland, and the cost is half that of other crops.”
Farhan Pasha said that the main areas in Pakistan fit for olive cultivation are Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, in addition to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan has 10 million acres of land suitable for olive cultivation, which is almost twice as much as Spain, the world’s largest olive oil producer. As olive trees are able to survive in dry, arid conditions not fit for other crops normally, they don’t compete with other fruit trees, grain crops or oil crops in these areas.

To encourage olive cultivation, the Pakistani government has planned to issue olive oil marketing and branding certification to the private sector. The goal of it is to plant over 50,000 acres in the country by 2022. Now, Pakistan is the only South Asian country to be included in the International Olive Council.

Inam ul Haq, who works as a horticulturist at the Barani Agricultural Research Institute in Chakwal, said that the local government has spared no efforts to subsidize olive cultivation. “Since 2015, the Punjab government has been providing subsidies to local gardeners to turn the Potohar region into ‘Olive Valley’, that is, providing olive saplings free of charge for plantation.”

In the past five years, nearly 1.4 million olive trees have been planted in Potohar region, covering almost 9,000 acres of land. The project has made use of less fertile and undeveloped land. In addition, the government has offered up to 70% subsidy on the installation of solar power systems and nearly 60% subsidy on drip irrigation systems, with an estimated 800 families getting benefits and turning their less fertile land into olive groves.

The government has also provided 50% subsidy to agricultural machines that may be needed during harvest seasons, such as shakers.

The advantages of growing olive trees are obvious. On the one hand, they can meet local demand for edible oil while reduce trade deficit, on the other hand, they mitigate climate change and effectively address the challenge of water security. It is no wonder that provincial governments have introduced subsidies to encourage olive cultivation.

Due to its favorable climate and geographical location, the quality of olive fruit produced in Pakistan is among the best around the world despite its late start.

According to Inam ul Haq, the quality of olive oil produced locally in Pakistan is almost the same as that of well-established olive producing countries. Farhan Pasha said that Pakistani olive oil from Quetta won the highest grade at a recent competition held in Italy.

At present, there are several traditional methods used in the harvesting of olive fruits, including knocking, hand harvesting and chemical ripening harvesting. In Pakistan, hand harvesting is mainly adopted. We’ve seen other countries have adopted mechanical harvesting, but we haven’t,” said Malik Shafiq.

Dr. Ramzan Ansari, who is in charge of olive research at the Barani Agricultural Research Institute, sees agricultural machines are what Pakistan lacks.

“Marketing is a completely different sector. A farmer can’t do everything by himself. What he can do is either marketing the product or adding value by processing the fruit. If business investors enter this sector and do value-added production and then marketing, it can make positive contribution to this sector and the society,” Syed Yousaf Ali said.

 

[ghazi52]

.,.,.,
China and Pakistan have agreed on the protocol on quarantine and health requirements for Buffalo Embryos to be exported from Pakistan to China.
Both countries will join hands to enhance cooperation and upgrade the technology of the buffalo industry in Pakistan..

 

[ghazi52]

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China's cauliflower technology gaining popularity in Pakistan, demonstrating a potential area for bilateral agricultural cooperation.
Under the 2nd phase of CPEC, there is a greater chance of increasing agricultural productivity of Pakistan...

 

[Luosifen]

Experts call for more cooperation with China to revitalize Pakistan's agriculture sector

2022-06-17 00:05:17Xinhua Editor : Wang Fan ECNS App Download

As Pakistan's agriculture sector remained crucial for the country's economic growth, experts and scientists said that enhanced cooperation with China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can help revitalize the country's agriculture sector and combat the challenge of food insecurity.
A seminar titled "Pak-China Agriculture Cooperation under CPEC" was held Thursday by the CPEC-Agriculture Cooperation Center at Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi and the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development to explore ways to boost agricultural development, and understand opportunities offered by agricultural cooperation under CPEC.
Muhammad Azam Khan, director of the CPEC-Agriculture Cooperation Center, said that China has made notable progress over the years in the modernization of the agriculture sector, having enhanced productivity while focusing on quality yield.
He noted that Pakistan has a lot to learn from the Chinese experience for the growth of its agriculture sector, highlighting that harsh weather, unscientific farming systems and expensive inputs have marginalized the sector, which resulted in food insecurity in Pakistan.
"Currently in Pakistan, farmers have started high-density planting of fruits trees which need highly efficient technologies for practices like pruning, spraying, harvesting ... we can work out with Chinese companies to learn about the latest technologies for the betterment of local farmers," Khan said.
The expert said that agricultural cooperation under CPEC will further enhance value addition processing to help more Pakistani products meet the international standards.
He added that Pakistan and China need to work together in the fields of seed technology, agricultural material and machinery, agricultural product processing and supporting service systems to promote the transformation and upgrading of the agriculture sector.
Qamar Uz Zaman, vice chancellor of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, said that science and technology-based advancements have breathed new life into China's agriculture sector, stressing the need for Pakistan to strengthen mutual exchanges with Chinese counterparts and facilitate Chinese companies to work in Pakistan to bring green revolution and give impetus to the economic and social development.
Being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Pakistan needs to adopt climate-smart agriculture techniques as the challenges posed by climate change have not only gravely affected the production and quality of crops, but also created numerous problems for farmers, he said.
"We (Pakistan and China) have a long history of agricultural cooperation. We have been able to achieve milestones in many areas and the cooperation needs to be enhanced further to produce quality products to be exported to other countries including China to earn valuable foreign exchange," he added.
China's new agricultural technologies, machinery and crop varieties are continuously being introduced in Pakistan under CPEC, which have greatly improved the most important sector of Pakistan, said Gu Wenliang, agricultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.
He said cooperation in the field of modern agricultural equipment, seed industry, food processing and storage, and animal and plant disease control has greatly improved the quality and production of various valuable crops and livestock products in Pakistan.
The counselor suggested enhancing people-to-people exchanges, exporting Pakistani agricultural products with comparative advantage to China, and developing policy research to promote agricultural industrialization cooperation between the two countries.