A batch of 100 Pakistani agricultural graduates under Batch II of the Prime Minister’s Initiative for Capacity Building of 1,000 Agricultural Graduates has formally completed a six-month specialized training program in crop breeding and genomics in China. A certificate-awarding ceremony was held at the Southwest University of Science and Technology in Mianyang, Sichuan Province, according to Gwadar Pro.

The graduating cohort, part of Batch II of the flagship program, arrived in China in July 2025 to undergo advanced, hands-on training aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural research and innovation capacity. The program focused on modern crop improvement technologies and climate-smart agricultural practices.

The six-month training covered a wide range of advanced subjects, including modern agricultural practices, precision agriculture tools and sensors, genome-editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, advanced breeding and molecular biotechnology, smart agriculture and automation, as well as big data and artificial intelligence applications in crop improvement.

One of the participants, Muhammad Hamid Khan, described the experience as transformative. “This journey has been a deep dive into the world of crop breeding and genomics. It has not only enhanced my technical expertise but also inspired me to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s food security,” he wrote, expressing gratitude to his mentors and the host university.

Khalil Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to China, in his remarks at the ceremony congratulated the agri professionals, appreciated the role played by SWUST, and advised the “graduates to deploy the skill set acquired towards enhancing agricultural productivity in Pakistan”. He also highlighted the vital significance of agriculture for Pakistan’s economy and the need for our two countries to build on our complementarities to jointly foster food security.

The Prime Minister’s Initiative for Capacity Building of 1,000 Agricultural Graduates is being implemented in multiple batches across various Chinese universities and institutions. While the Batch II cohort completed its training at SWUST, other participants have completed or are currently completing their programs at institutions in different provinces across China.

The initiative is jointly implemented by Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Higher Education Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing, in collaboration with Chinese partner institutions. It aims to modernize Pakistan’s agriculture sector through technology transfer, research exposure, and human resource development.

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