Arooj Zulfiqar

Pakistan's enhanced partnership with China in agriculture sector could herald a new era of agricultural modernization in the country.

Agriculture sector contributes significantly to the country's economy through a number of channels. However, in the current situation, Pakistani agriculture is confronted with a number of difficulties, including shortage of water, abrupt climate changes, shortage of quality seeds and pesticides, poor infrastructure, and lack of innovative research, etc. The use of modern technology and the adoption of strict policies can reduce these problems.

Talking to WealthPK, Prof Dr. Muhammad Azam Khan, Chairman of the Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, said cooperation between China and Pakistan in agriculture sector can boost the sector's development.

“China and Pakistan have a lot in common in terms of agricultural resources, markets, and technology, and like other sectors, Pakistan can learn from China in the agriculture sector as well,” he said.

Dr. Azam said smart agriculture aims to boost output and profitability by giving crops the input they require and applying fertilizers, crop seeds, pesticides, fungicides, and other chemicals precisely. He mentioned that China was already practicing smart agriculture, providing input based on harvests.

"We must combine advanced technology with both conventional and modern agricultural approaches to develop this sector," he stated.

“We intend to seek Chinese assistance in the form of wheat harvesting technologies and sensors for soil fertility,” he added.

Dr. Azam said the Pakistan government has prioritized agricultural output, and proactive steps have been taken to lower costs and boost productivity in the sector. He pointed out that the need for agricultural modernization across the country is increased by rapid population expansion.

“China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation will enable Pakistan to overcome development bottlenecks and increase the export of agricultural goods to China and other nations. There is a lot of potential for cooperation between China and Pakistan in various fields, including agriculture, rural development, and capacity building for farmers,” he said.

Dr. Azam said more focus has been placed on enhancing the local people’s quality of life as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) enters its second phase. He mentioned that China and Pakistan are already cooperating heavily in the agriculture sector. He said CPEC is an excellent opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and reduce the trade gap.

Agriculture has a competitive edge over other economic sectors because of its swift ability to reduce poverty and generate economic advantages. Pakistan needs to adopt adequate agriculture methods to boost this sector. Agriculture productivity can be increased with the use of modern technology. Pakistan can integrate the growth of food and cash crops by adapting to local conditions, building on strengths, and addressing weaknesses.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk