ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and China have agreed to form technical working groups to launch key agricultural projects focused on high-yield cotton seeds, water-saving irrigation, and advanced farming methods. The initiative aims to address Pakistan’s agricultural challenges and boost productivity across the country.
The decision was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and a visiting Chinese delegation. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the China-Pakistan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference held in Islamabad.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s strong commitment to enhancing agricultural cooperation with Pakistan. He praised Pakistan’s readiness for collaboration and emphasized the potential for lasting partnerships in food security, technology sharing, and rural development efforts.
Minister Hussain highlighted that Pakistan’s cotton sector has suffered due to low yields and outdated seed varieties. He expressed interest in learning from China’s Xinjiang region, which has made impressive progress in crop productivity in arid and semi-arid conditions similar to Pakistan.
Hussain noted that Xinjiang’s advancements in irrigation, crop optimization, and farming mechanization offer a valuable model for Pakistan’s agricultural reform. He emphasized the importance of adapting these solutions to Pakistan’s landscape to improve farmer incomes and food security.
Looking ahead, both nations agreed that agriculture will remain a top priority in their bilateral agenda. They pledged to support research, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives that can transform farming and benefit rural communities in Pakistan.