The Chengdu Jintian Seeds of China and the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, have signed an agreement to collaborate in vegetable breeding and seed research, reflecting growing technical exchange between the two agricultural sectors.

The partnership is expected to support research on improved vegetable varieties and contribute to ongoing efforts around agricultural development and food security in Pakistan, Gwadar Pro reported on Monday quoting an official statement.

AARI Scientific Officers Rahil Shahzad and Wajeeha Khan represented Pakistan in the agreement, which the institute described as part of its broader engagement in international research collaboration. The signing ceremony was held on December 31 in Chengdu.

Chengdu Jintian Seeds is a major Chinese vegetable seed company with programs in hybrid development and commercial seed systems. AARI, Pakistan’s largest agricultural research institute, plays a key role in developing crop varieties to support national food production.

Under the framework, both sides will cooperate in germplasm evaluation, vegetable breeding research, development of stress-tolerant hybrids, scientific exchanges, training initiatives and multilocation field testing, with provisions for potential commercialization.

Speaking to Gwadar Pro on Sunday, AARI Chief Public Information Officer Ch. Muhammad Nadeem Akhtar said the institute already has multiple MoUs with several Chinese agricultural research bodies, with scientists from both countries jointly leading projects in seed technology, crop genetics and field-based innovation. The latest agreement, he noted, further strengthens this ongoing scientific partnership.

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