The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan announced that 885 Pakistani agricultural professionals have completed intensive advanced training at leading Chinese universities and returned home as "master trainers" to help modernize the country's farming sector, Gwadar Pro reported on Tuesday.

Selected through a competitive and rigorous process, the cohort underwent specialized training in areas ranging from artificial intelligence-driven agriculture and drone technology to advanced seed production and water management systems.

"We are proud to share that 885 Pakistani agricultural professionals have successfully completed intensive, advanced training at leading Chinese universities," HEC said in a statement issued following a ceremony held in honor of the returning participants.

"Selected through a rigorous process, this cohort is returning home as ‘master trainers' ready to revolutionise our local farming landscape. 

From AI-driven farming and drone technology to advanced seed production and water management, these professionals are equipped with the cutting-edge expertise needed to boost productivity and food security nationwide," the statement added.

The initiative was executed by HEC under the prime minister's capacity-building program, aimed at strengthening human resource development in critical sectors of the economy.

According to HEC, the program is designed not only to upgrade technical skills but also to establish long-term academic and research linkages between Pakistani and Chinese institutions. 

"This landmark initiative, executed by HEC under the PM's capacity-building programme, strengthens the bond between Pakistan and China while paving the way for sustainable economic growth in our rural sectors," the commission said.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the 2025-2029 Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era, agreed between China and Pakistan during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

The plan prioritizes cooperation in crop cultivation, animal husbandry, plant and animal disease prevention and control, aquaculture, agro-processing, mechanization, seed technology and drip irrigation, as well as agricultural research and expert exchanges under the CPEC framework. 

It also emphasizes capacity building, stating: "Continue to build on the landmark project of training 1,000 young Pakistani agricultural professionals in China."

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China