Pakistan and China Forge Agricultural Partnership to Modernize Farming and Advance Research Collaboration

Pakistan has requested expanded Chinese support to modernize its agriculture sector, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposing a deeper institutional partnership between the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council during a cooperation workshop in Beijing.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized agriculture’s critical role in Pakistan’s economy and called for research-driven reforms to boost productivity, strengthen rural development, and support long-term economic growth. He described Pakistan’s agricultural research system as requiring urgent restructuring, with CAAS positioned to lead modernization efforts through contemporary scientific practices, innovation, and talent development.

The prime minister announced that Pakistan will continue sending 1,000 agriculture graduates annually from all four provinces to Chinese universities for advanced training in agricultural sciences and modern farming techniques. This program aims to equip young Pakistanis with technical expertise applicable to domestic agricultural reforms.

The discussions align with Pakistan and China’s expanded cooperation under CPEC 2.0, with agriculture emerging as a priority sector. Prime Minister Sharif noted his recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang focused on accelerating collaboration in agriculture, science, innovation, and rural development.

CAAS President Huang Sanwen shared that the institution has trained over 300 Pakistani master’s and PhD students and hosted three meetings of the Pakistan-China Joint Working Group on Agriculture.

Officials also outlined plans to establish five Centers of Excellence at PARC through Chinese collaboration, including genomic crop research, livestock improvement, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land and water management, and food processing. Pakistan will finance the centers, while seeking technical cooperation and institutional planning support from CAAS.

During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif received an honorary professorship from CAAS as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.

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