China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) | Agriculture

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Sino-Pak Agricultural Breeding Innovations Included in Projects for Swift Completion​

By Tahir Ali
Oct 30, 2023

Given that agriculture holds a prominent position on the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) priority list, the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives (PD&SI) has intensified its efforts to execute multiple projects within the agriculture sector.

The “Sino-Pak Agricultural Breeding Innovations Project for Rapid Yield Enhancement” remains one of the significant programs in the agriculture sector in the country.

The Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) has allotted funds for various billion-worth projects, including the Sino-Pak Agriculture Breeding Innovations program, aiming to maximize the potential within the agriculture sector.

The purpose of the agricultural breeding innovations project for “rapid yield enhancement” is to implement innovative techniques and technologies to significantly increase agricultural yields in a short period. This project aims to improve crop productivity, quality, and resilience to various environmental stressors, ultimately enhancing food security and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Initially approved in 2020 with an estimated cost of Rs. 433.936 million, expenditure of the project stood at Rs. 370.670 million by June 2023, with Rs. 63.266 million carried over to the current fiscal year. In PSDP 2023-24, the entire allocated amount of Rs. 63.266 million has been earmarked to conclude the project.

On Sunday, the Ministry of PD&SI asked relevant ministries to accelerate the implementations and to complete all the projects, especially at a time when SIFC took the lead and agriculture was the top priority besides the other key sectors.

SIFC was established earlier this year to attract foreign and local investments while targeting five key areas which include Agriculture, Defense Production, Mining/Minerals, Information Technology and Telecommunication, and Energy.

In 2023, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan launched “Initiatives for Green Revolution 2.0” with an estimated Rs 5000 million to address the key constraints to the productivity of agriculture.

The government emphasized on promotion of technology to reduce post-harvest losses, value addition for grain, fruits, and vegetables, productivity enhancement of major crops, engaging women and youth in agriculture, and agri-business and promoting and supporting agricultural research.

 

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Pak-China Snail Industry Alliance to Unleash Export Potential​

By Saira Iqbal
Nov 2, 2023

Nanjing - “Leveraging China's expertise in snail farming techniques, technology transfer, and market access, Pakistan can develop the snail industry to tap into the international market, particularly in Europe and other developed regions,” said Jin Jingqi, Vice President of Jiangsu Design Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Special Expert for Rural Revitalization in Jiangsu Province.

In recent years, driven by the rural revitalization strategy, China's snail industry has been rapidly growing. Chinese white jade snail, a natural variation of Achatina fulica found by Chinese researchers in the 1980s, is a superior variety compared to other snail species worldwide. It features clean white flesh and higher nutritional content.

The snails have multiple values, including their shell rich in calcium for toothpaste production, delicious and protein-rich snail meat, snail mucus for cosmetics, and snail enzymes with medical value for tissue repair.

“Snail farming can be carried out through ecological farming, where snails coexist with existing crops in the field. Snails can provide organic fertilizer and promote crop yield, while farm waste, including leftover leaves and fruits, can be snail feeds.” Jin Jingqi introduced. According to his experience, ecological snail farming can increase an average output of USD10,000 per acre per year.

Another farming form, industrial farming, requires more complicated management and larger space for constructing multi-level breeding sheds, with an expected annual output of USD500,000 per acre. However, ecologically farmed snails generally have better quality."

Global demand for snails in 2023 presents a gap of about 1 billion tons, with developed countries such as Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea being major consumers. Those developed countries are limited in snail production due to their higher cost of labor, land and feed.

We aim to build a complete international snail industry chain to meet both domestic and international market demands. As a developing country with favorable international trade channels and a strong agricultural sector, Pakistan can be a crucial part of the chain." Jin Jingqi said.

During the China-Pakistan Technical Cooperation and Promotion Exchange Conference held on Monday, Jin Jingqi delivered a report on the whole international industry chain of the snail industry, introducing the progress of snail industry in China and its potential in the international market, which interested Pakistani government officials and businesses.

"Pak-China cooperation in snail industry is very doable. The embassy will also support Jin Jingqi by providing potential partners for undertaking this project in Pakistan," said Khan Muhammad Wazir, Science Counselor of the Pakistani Embassy in China.

To drive the China-Pakistan snail industry cooperation and unlock its economic potential, Jin Jingqi emphasizes the importance of technology transfer, recommending technical personnel training, establishment of processing assembly lines and launching pilot projects for industrial snail farming in Pakistan.

By integrating the snail industry into its existing agricultural framework, Pakistan can create substantial economic value and position itself as a reliable player in the global snail industry chain.

 

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Chinese technology can multiply agriculture production in Pakistan:​

By Shafqat Ali
Nov 3, 2023

ISLAMABAD - Caretaker Pakistan Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik said on Thursday afternoon that Chinese technology can multiply the agriculture production in Pakistan.

Malik chaired a meeting at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to discuss ways to enhance the productivity of wheat, rice, and sugarcane.

At the meeting, the Federal Minister emphasized the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of the country's economy and pledged to address obstacles in agricultural projects on a priority basis to ensure timely completion of projects serving national and public interests.

He said the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor focuses on agriculture and the recent support from China in the agriculture sector had been immensely helpful.

He maintained that Chinese technology and experience can give a powerful injection to the agriculture production on Pakistan which was far below the capacity.

During the meeting, the Federal Minister was briefed on various accomplishments. Notably, the production capacity of wheat has increased by 4 million tons, resulting in a financial benefit of 400 billion rupees.

The meeting also discussed progress in enhancing rice production, where the project, launched under the Prime Ministerial Agriculture Emergency Program, has contributed to a significant increase in rice production, with rice exports totaling USD 2.5 billion in 2021-22. Subsidies were provided for seed, fertilizers, weedicide, and farming machinery.

In terms of sugarcane, the project aimed at boosting productivity with investments from various stakeholders. Several surveys, training programs, and research activities have led to a 5.7-ton per hector (ha) yield increase overall, with even higher results in Punjab at 7.9 ton/ha, exceeding the target of 19.8 t/ha.

 

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China-Pakistan training forum on "Livestock Disease Control" organised​

By Shafqat Ali
Nov 16, 2023

LAHORE, - University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), in conjunction with Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab and China Agriculture University, organized a China-Pakistan training forum focused on "Livestock Disease Control" here on Wednesday afternoon.

The collaborative partnership between UVAS and Chinese academic and business entities was highlighted as beneficial for academic advancement, research, and export enhancement.

On the occasion, Chinese Consul General in Lahore Zhao Shiren expressed full support for UVAS and Chinese collaboration, pledging a constructive role in promoting academic and business linkages and enhancing trade ties between Pakistan and China.

 

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Experts for Chinese help in promotion of sugar industry​

By Staff Reporter | Business Recorder
Nov 18, 2023

Amid the urgent need for adoption of modern technology, agriculture experts urged for joining hands with China for promotion of sugar industry by learning from mutual experiences for mutual gains.

Talking to media here on Saturday, Khan Faraz, an Agriculture expert said that sugarcane is an important cash crop of Pakistan grown on a large area of the country. A number of sugar mills have been established for manufacture of sugar from the sugarcane grown in the country.

Also, some portion of the crop is used for the production of “Gur” (jiggery) especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sugar industry is the second largest agriculture based industry after textile.

He said that sugarcane is a longer duration crop as compared to other cash crops grown in the country. Farmers require great skill and huge investment to grow this crop, and face a host of problems including increasing cost of inputs, labour and water, he added.

Pakistan and China trade officials have reportedly recently discussed measures to enhance their cooperation in the sugarcane sector aiming to produce high grade sugar to export it to the world market.

Also, experts from China and Pakistan discussed the potential of collaboration in the sugar industry. Wherein, it was observed that there was a great scope of cooperation between China and Pakistan including sugar industry by learning from mutual experiences for mutual gains.

Therefore, both countries should join hands to promote sugarcane production and processing using modern technologies and techniques, such as tissue culture, disease-free seedlings and integrated pest management.

Faraz said that Pakistan is a traditional agricultural country, but there is still a lot more to be done to modernize its agriculture sector to enable it to meet international standards.

Pakistan sugarcane industry could not prosper until growers get access to the best sugarcane varieties and practices, said Faraz, adding that Pakistan should start a sugarcane breeding programme with the help of China, and learn from its experience and expertise.

 

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3rd China-Pak non-wood forest S&T exchange conference to be held this month​

By Mia Shah | China Economic Net
Nov 21, 2023

ZHENGZHOU, - The third Science and Technology Exchange Conference on China-Pakistan Tropical Arid Non-wood Forest will be held from October 26 to 28 in Zhengzhou, China, and Gwadar, Pakistan. The conference will take place both online and offline simultaneously.

The event is hosted by the Chinese Society of Forestry (CSF) and Central South University of Forestry and Technology, and organized by Henan Agricultural University, Henan Forestry Society, Economic Forest Branch of CSF, China Overseas Port Holding Company and Yulin Holdings.

With a focus on medicinal woody plants and their active substances, the organizers will invite experts from both China and Pakistan to discuss the advancements made in improving the efficiency of the non-wood forest industry in arid areas. The conference will specifically highlight the extraction and utilization of these plants and their active substances in arid regions.

The science and technology exchange conference also seeks to facilitate the improvement of ecological environment and people's livelihoods in Pakistan's tropical arid areas. At the same time, its research results will also contribute to the Chinese market and help address the shortage of non-wood forest products in China.

 

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The only wish to feed more people: Chinese hybrid rice scientist in Pakistan

China Economic Net
Nov 22, 2023

LAHORE, Nov. 22 (China Economic Net) – “The yield of local Basmati rice is about 4.5 tons/hectare, while the yield of hybrid rice varieties we developed can reach up to 12 tons/hectare, as well as the average yield in large areas has also reached 9 tons/hectare.

Compared with local varieties, it has increased by up to 50% or 100%.” Long Chunjiu, Director of the Pakistan Breeding Station, Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Co., Ltd., wearing work clothes and rubber boots, told reporters, “Agricultural scientific research does not mean big talk in an air-conditioned room. Lack of long-term fieldwork means nothing accomplished.”

The only wish to feed more people: Chinese hybrid rice scientist in Pakistan

Long Chunjiu in the test field of Lahore, Pakistan [Photo provided to CEN]

Local media reported that Yuan Longping High-tech and Guard Agricultural Research & Services (Pvt) Limited have just conducted a successful commercial trial of their 14th hybrid rice variety in Sindh. Compared to the previous varieties, the new one has the potential for more yield; besides, it is resistant to heat and lodging to a higher degree.

“The new variety has more yield potential. It is also heat tolerant which will help cope with the challenges posed by high temperatures and prolong summers. We trialed it for three years. Now, it will be available for commercial plantation from the next season,” said Momin Ali Malik, Guard’s Seed Division Executive.

In 1999, Yuan Longping High-Tech and Pakistan Guard Agricultural Services signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop hybrid rice in Pakistan. For more than two decades, the two sides have been working closely to promote hybrid rice in Pakistan to bear plump fruit.

“Our center’s breeding area has exceeded 15 acres, meaning it can breed 1-2 leading varieties every year for the Pakistan’s farmer or agriculture. It not only provides adequate food for local people, but also greatly promotes employment for local youth." Long Chunjiu told China Economic Net.

Rice, as an essential food variety and export commodity of Pakistan, its importance cannot be overstated. In 2022, more than 2.1 million acres of hybrid rice has been planted in the country.

“Our hybrid rice seeds are highly tolerant to various harsh environments, including high temperature, drought and saline-alkali. Not only that, they are also low-cost. Good economic benefits make it highly praised in the local area, and has been widely cultivated in 40% of the rice areas in Sindh, 30% of Balochistan and 3% of Punjab, earning Pakistan USD 300 million in foreign exchange every year,” Long introduced.

Knowing very well of Pakistan’s agricultural conditions such as climate, soil, water resources, and insect pests, “scientific planting methods must be developed based on local climate and hydrological characteristics to truly help local farmers increase production and income,” Long noted.

From the initial screening trials of a small number of varieties to today’s large-scale selection, Long has trained more than 50 graduate students, forming an excellent local breeding R&D team and others. As the planting area of hybrid rice in Pakistan continues to expand, the center invites Pakistani employees to visit the experimental base every year for theoretical training and practical guidance.

“Doing only one thing for more than a decade, but I’m the luckiest person.” The hybrid rice fields under the scorching sun have carved thousands of days and nights, as an eyewitness and participant of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Long smiled, with a whirlpool of emotion. “Our great leader Professor Yuan mentioned several times that his first dream was for super rice to grow taller than sorghum, with stems each ear as long as a broom, and each grain as big as a peanut.

Then he could actually enjoy the cool underneath the rice crops. His second dream is that hybrid rice can be grown all over the world. The words have always spurred me on. Lead Pakistani partners to create more excellent hybrid rice varieties so that more people can have enough to eat. It is my only wish.”

 

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Pakistan gets heat-tolerant, high-yield hybrid rice variety​

Pakistan Observer
Nov 21, 2023

Farmers in Sindh and South Punjab are all set to get a new heat-resistant hybrid rice variety with high yield potential during the next season after the completion of its successful commercial trial in Larkana.

Yuan Longping High-Tech, a leading Chinese agricultural company and Guard Agricultural Research & Services (Pvt) Limited have conducted a successful commercial trial of their 14th Hybrid Rice variety In Sindh.

Compared to the previous varieties, the new one has the potential for more yield besides it is resistant to heat and lodging.

“The new variety has more yield potential. It is also heat tolerant which will help cope with the challenges posed by high temperatures and prolong summers. In collaboration with Yuan Longping High-Tech, we trialed this new variety for three years.

Now, it will be available for commercial plantation from the next season,” said Momin Ali Malik, Guard’s Seed Division Executive while talking to a group of journalists.

Journalists from Lahore also visited Larkana along with the Chinese and local scientists and witnessed the new variety near harvest.

Mr Tai, a representative of Yuan Longping High-Tech, said that it was the 14th variety being introduced with the Sino-Pak collaboration. He said that the new variety has more yield potential than the previous ones.

“Previous varieties have increased the production from 60-70 to 120 maunds per acre. The new variety is heat tolerant with the yield potential of more than 150 maunds per acre,” he said.

Guard started introducing hybrid rice technology to farmers in Sindh in the early 2000s after years of research and field trials in collaboration with China’s Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture company.

The efforts helped double per acre rice yield and boosted the farmers’ income leading to the alleviation of poverty in the rice-growing areas of Sindh and Southern Punjab.

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3rd China-Pak non-wood forest S&T exchange conference to be held this month​

China Economic Net
Nov 21, 2023

ZHENGZHOU, - The third Science and Technology Exchange Conference on China-Pakistan Tropical Arid Non-wood Forest will be held from November 26 to 28 in Zhengzhou, China, and Gwadar, Pakistan. The conference will take place both online and offline simultaneously.

The event is hosted by the Chinese Society of Forestry (CSF) and Central South University of Forestry and Technology, and organized by Henan Agricultural University, Henan Forestry Society, Economic Forest Branch of CSF, China Overseas Port Holding Company and Yulin Holdings.

With a focus on medicinal woody plants and their active substances, the organizers will invite experts from both China and Pakistan to discuss the advancements made in improving the efficiency of the non-wood forest industry in arid areas.

The conference will specifically highlight the extraction and utilization of these plants and their active substances in arid regions.

The science and technology exchange conference also seeks to facilitate the improvement of ecological environment and people's livelihoods in Pakistan's tropical arid areas.

At the same time, its research results will also contribute to the Chinese market and help address the shortage of non-wood forest products in China.

 

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Meeting held in China and Pakistan to promote agro-forestry economy​

By Mia Shah
Nov 27, 2023

ZHENGZHOU) - The third Science and Technology Exchange Conference on China-Pakistan Tropical Arid Non-wood Forest is being held both online and offline from November 26 to 28 in Zhengzhou, China, and Gwadar, Pakistan simultaneously.

The exchange conference aims to showcase achievements and research progress of both nations in the field of economic forestry. It also seeks to facilitate academic exchanges of woody medicinal herbs and active substances between China and Pakistan.

The event, co-hosted by the Chinese Society of Forestry (CSF) and Central South University of Forestry and Technology (CSUFT), drew over 220 officials, scholars, students and business representatives from both countries.

In 2021, to enhance the economic and ecological development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), CSUFT, China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC), and Yulin Holdings collaborated to establish an Engineering Research Center for Tropical Arid Non-wood Forest. The center aims to showcase a green and sustainable development approach, focusing on the non-wood forest industry and its compatibility with ecological, economic, and social benefits in Gwadar.

During the review and discussion of the progress made over the past years, Zhang Baozhong, chairman of COPHC, introduced the impact of eco-economic forest construction on the business environment in Gwadar.

Focusing on the collection and utilization of germplasm resources of arid- and salt-tolerant and non-wood barren forests, the organizer invited experts to make special presentations on the research progress and development prospects of different plants, including Eucommia ulmoides, Elaeis guineensis, Moringa oleifera, and Hippophae rhamnoides.

The event is organized by Henan Agricultural University, Henan Forestry Society, Economic Forest Branch of CSF, COPHC and Yulin Holdings.

 

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Pakistani NFSR Ministry explores further Pak-China cooperation in buffalo​

By Saira Iqbal
Nov 27, 2023

NANNING, -On November 23, a delegation from the Pakistani Ministry of National Food Security and Research visited the Royal Cell Company in Nanning, China, and had a meeting to discuss potential collaboration.

Royal Cell Company presented its programs in Pakistan, which included the establishment of the first officially certified foot-and-mouth disease-free ranch and a buffalo embryo production experimental center. Teng Cuijin, the Chairman of Royal Cell Company, expressed their plans for further expansion in Pakistan, stating, "The visit of the delegation aims to attract more investment for the establishment of disease-free ranches in Pakistan.

In addition to constructing more ranches, we aim to establish associated dairy and meat processing plants, expanding our collaboration to include dairy products including powdered milk, UHT (Ultra Heat Treated) milk and meat products such as beef jerky."

The Pakistani delegation emphasized the importance of scientific research and technological cooperation between China and Pakistan, hoping that Royal Cell Company would facilitate such collaboration. Muhammad Masood Anwar, Secretary of Livestock and Dairy Development Department in Punjab, stated, "We are particularly interested in collaborating on embryo transplantation technology. By establishing connections between research institutions in Punjab Province and Guangxi Province in China, we can jointly breed high-yielding buffalo varieties."

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to foster partnerships between Pakistan and China in research, development and value addition within the buffalo industry. This collaborative effort holds immense potential for enhancing product quality, increasing production efficiency and creating new market opportunities for buffalo products from both countries.

 

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Pak-China sugarcane coop edges ahead for bright future despite challenges​

By Wu Siya
Nov 26, 2023

FAISALABAD, – “The surge in sugar prices in Pakistan reflects a series of deep-rooted elements. Key factors contributing to this situation includes the increase in sugarcane production costs manipulation by domestic sugar “mafia” and a flawed subsidy system.

Moreover, our entire sugarcane industry needs technological changes to bring about industrial upgrading and help reduce related costs,” Dr. Fahd Rasul, Associate Professor of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) told Gwadar Pro the highly volatile sugar price has jumped from 85 rupees/kg to 160-170 rupees/kg ahead of the crushing season start.

Fahd Rasul in the sugarcane field

The sweet dilemma

Sugarcane production in 2021-22 based on official plantation areas of about 1.25 million hectares was about 88.6 million tons, a certain growth from the same period of last year (1.16 million ha/80.9 million tons).

The unit output in 2021-22 (70.35 Tons/Ha) is almost the same as the previous year (69.55 Tons/Ha), according to Annual Report 2022 published by Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA). However, Pakistan’s sugarcane yield per hectare is much lower than that of other major producers. In 2018 alone, the yield was 62 tons, far below the world average of 73 tons as well as India’s 80 tons.

Pakistan sugarcane industry overview [Photo/PSMA website ]

Sikandar Khan, a PSMA senior official, noted that in addition to artificial factors such as monopoly and market manipulation, the increase in sugarcane production costs such as fertilizers, pesticides and transportation is the main reasons for the soaring sugar prices. Sugarcane uses more subsidized agricultural inputs than other cash crops, especially fertilizers and water.

In highly water-stressed countries, including Pakistan, sugarcane consumes much more water than any other cash crop. It is urgent to cultivate high-quality sugarcane varieties that consume less water, have higher sugar extraction efficiency, and are more resistant to pests and diseases.

“The sugarcane industry in Pakistan is characterized by the cultivation of several key varieties, particularly in the Punjab region. Among the notable varieties are CPF-248, CPF-249, CPF-250, CPF-251, and CPF-252, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of maturation period, yield, and resistance to diseases, in which CPF-248 has the highest sugar content at 12.71%; at the same time, it has good tillering potential, resist lodging, and thus suitable for regeneration,” Fahd Rasul elaborated.


In addition, in order to better expand the global market, Pakistan should comprehensively improve the level of sugar industry to allow more domestic mills to obtain Bonsucro sugar certification, the leading global sustainability platform and standard for sugarcane. Currently only 3 mills are certified for Bonsucro.

Promising collaboration with China

“While these varieties contribute significantly to our sugarcane industry, there is a recognized need for collaboration with China to further enhance production, technological adoption, and disease resistance,” Prof Rasul pointed out.

“The recent think tank session at the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) highlighted the potential for cooperation in the sugarcane sector between the two countries. Several bilateral discussions of our sugarcane research group and Guangzhou Sugar Industry Research Institute happened and an MoU was also in discussion. Hopefully it could be signed soon.”

According to Rasul, the potential areas of cooperation include not only technology transfer like tissue culture and disease-free seedling, exchange of leading varieties from China, collaboration on integrated pest management strategies, training programs for Pakistani scientists and experts in collaboration with institutions like China's Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), but also modernization of Pakistan’s agriculture sector, aligning it with international standards by leveraging China's expertise.

Pakistan’s subtropical climate is suitable for sugarcane growth. The sugarcane yield in some areas is similar to that of China, where average yield is 740 maunds per acre. Some advanced farmers with high cultivation level can harvest up to 2,000 maunds per acre, especially in Rahim yar khan, south Punjab. “Breeding facilities from China are desirable and varietal breeding programs can help enhance the sustainability of Pakistan’s sugarcane industry.”

Regarding the extraction, the reporter was told that despite ranking as the 9th largest global sugar producer with a raw output of 4,881,225-ton, Pakistan’s susceptibility to world price fluctuations and the necessity to import sugar underscore the need for improvement. “To tackle this, investments in technological upgrades within sugar mills are imperative, focusing on advanced machinery to optimize sugar extraction from sugarcane while minimizing waste,”

Rasul added that machinery upgrade and worker training contain possible opportunities for Pakistan-China cooperation, echoed by the PCJCCI officials, including President Moazzam Ghurki and Vice President Hamza Khalid, both of whom emphasized the potential for a “sweet revolution” through collaborative efforts, envisioning a scenario where both nations, as “iron friends,” can export high-grade sugar to the global market.

“On a deeper level, exploring diversification opportunities for sugarcane-derived products beyond sugar alone, such as ethanol, molasses, and bagasse and newer market sectors, from alcohol to biofuels and bioplastics, offers strategic avenues for market expansion. Cooperation with China in these aspects can gradually help Pakistan get rid of the backward situation of single industrial structure,” Rasul.

 

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China to support Pakistan in developing high-quality hybrid seeds for boosting crop production​

The Frontier Post

ISLAMABAD (APP): Liu Jianming, Deputy Party Secretary and Deputy Political Commissar of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, said that China will provide support to Pakistan in best-quality disease-resistant, high-yield hybrid seeds for cotton, canola, and wheat crops.

This aims to achieve bumper crop production while also meeting the ever-increasing needs of the textile industry to earn desperately needed foreign exchange.

During his visit to the head office of Guard Agricultural Research and Services, he said, “We have better crop production through modern mechanized agriculture farming,” according to a news release.

He said, “China will cooperate with Pakistan for cotton hybrid seed, including sunflower, maize, sesame, and others.”

He said, “China will also share its successful experience with “Water Saving Technology.”

He highly appreciated the research activities of Guard Agriculture Research, and all nine members of the delegation evinced keen interest and were invited to visit China for one-on-one interaction with stakeholders.

He said, “Together, we can harness the power of innovation to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector in Pakistan,” adding that China is ready to provide technical expertise, research collaboration, and necessary resources to facilitate the development of cutting-edge hybrid seeds.”

He said, “Recognizing the significance of the agriculture sector, China is eager to support Pakistan in hybrid seeds, and our shared goal is to enhance crop productivity and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.”

Cao Ke, Deputy Consul General, was also present on the occasion.

Earlier, Shahzad Ali Malik, CEO of Guard Agri, welcomed the visiting delegation and informed them, “We are pioneers in evolving the first ever Guard Hitech hybrid rice seed, which not only doubled the production but also enhanced manifold the profitability of the farmers in Pakistan.”

He said, “Guard Agri has been engaged in research since 1999 with the active collaboration of Longping Chinese Company.”

He said, “Our rice is exported to 41 countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.”

Shahzad Ali Malik said, “We are conducting research in rice, wheat, cotton, maize, oil seed, and vegetables at different stations sprawling over Punjab and Sindh provinces.”

“Pakistan wants to increase production of all crops with modern technology and Chinese expertise,” he added.

He thanked the Chinese delegation for visiting Pioneer Company and accepted their invitation to visit Xinjiang Province for further cooperation and collaboration in the agriculture sector.

 

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Chili Project under CPEC Phase-2
4:03 AM · Dec 4, 2023

 

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