The University of Agriculture Swat (UoAS) and China’s Northwest A&F University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on agricultural research and technology exchanges, with a focus on improving export opportunities for Pakistani horticultural products, Gwadar Pro reported on Wednesday.

According to an official notification, cooperation would cover production and processing technologies, quality assurance, packaging, branding and compliance with international standards to improve the export competitiveness of Pakistani produce and processed fruit products.

Other areas include livestock breeding, genetic improvement, joint research and academic exchanges. Proposed training for students, faculty members, researchers, farmers and technical personnel would cover agricultural technologies, production and processing systems, and practical industry experience.

The cooperation would connect academic research with farmers and businesses through technology and product exchanges.

UoAS Vice Chancellor Prof. Dawood Jan said the partnership could help Pakistani partners explore applications for post-harvest technologies, food processing methods, cold-chain systems and quality-control solutions, while offering Northwest A&F University opportunities to expand its research in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s diverse climatic conditions, horticultural resources and farming practices could provide scope for collaborative research into fruit cultivation, crop improvement and sustainable agricultural production.

Jan said exchanges among universities, farmers and agribusinesses could support joint academic programmes and help translate research findings into practical technologies and commercial partnerships benefiting both sides.

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