Some five Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) have been signed here on Thursday to promote Pak, China cooperation in agriculture sector. The MoU were inked between the Pakistani and Chinese companies at the China-Pakistan High-Quality Agricultural Cooperation Development Forum. The MoUs encompassed diverse areas such as double-zero canola, oil-feed integration, agri-livestock equipment, and buffalo farming.

Meanwhile, Secretary, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Chaudhry Waseem Ajmal said, Agriculture has emerged as a key pillar of cooperation between Pakistan and China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with new partnerships driving innovation, productivity, and rural transformation,

Speaking at the Forum, he said the outcomes relating to double zero canola varieties, have really improved oilseed yields and increased farmers' incomes. Buffalo breed improvement and dairy value chain development are reshaping Pakistan’s rural livelihoods, he added.

He emphasised that the governments can set the policy direction and provide enabling frameworks, but it is the private sector that truly brings transformation to the fields. He said the Ministry of National Food Security and Research remains committed to supporting all private sector stakeholders, whether Chinese or Pakistani, “because we believe that the public-private partnerships are essential to modernising agriculture and ensuring food security for the future.”

He assured to work hand-in-hand with the Chinese partners and private sector stakeholders to translate today's dialogue into tomorrow's development. Amina Bajwa, Head of Programme, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Pakistan speaking on the occasion said FAO has “long recognised the importance of diversifying Pakistan's agriculture base, not just to enhance productivity but also to improve resilience, reduce import dependence and to open up new avenues for smallholder farmers to prosper.”

In this context, she said, FAO is pleased to work closely with the Pakistani government on several strategic areas, including identifying new and viable alternatives, such as oil seed production. Amina said that FAO is a very strong supporter of an enabling and a consistent policy environment that allows a diverse range of private investors from across the globe to engage in a meaningful dialogue on Pakistan's agriculture transformation.

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