Chinese technology can multiply agriculture production in Pakistan: Pakistani Food Minister

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: Caretaker Pakistan Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik said this week 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.