In a landmark initiative aimed at revolutionizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector through international collaboration and knowledge exchange, a group of 100 young agricultural professionals on Sunday set to depart for China Southwest University of Science and Technology.
This initiative is part of the Prime Minister’s Special Capacity-Building Program, envisions training 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates in leading Chinese institutions to learn from China’s modern, climate-smart, and technology-driven farming practices.
A special pre-departure event was organized by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) to bid farewell to the departing cohort of 100 trainees, says a press release.
Delivering the keynote address, Secretary Ministry of Nation Food Security and Research Amir Muhyuddin, appreciated the enthusiasm and potential of the departing trainees.
“You are the ambassadors of Pakistan’s agricultural future,” he remarked. “This is not just a learning journey-it is a transformational opportunity. I hope you will return equipped with advanced technical knowledge, innovative ideas, and practical skills to uplift Pakistan’s farming landscape,” he added.
The secretary emphasized that this initiative reflects the Prime Minister’s vision to strengthen Pakistan’s agriculture sector through technology adoption and international exposure. He encouraged the graduates to make the most of their training, maintain discipline, and act as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China.
During the session, Additional Secretary Alam Zaib, Deputy Secretary Shafqat Abbas, and other senior officials also briefed the students on the training schedule, modules, and expected outcomes.
They shared their experience in coordinating the initiative and assured full support throughout the training period.
The Prime Minister’s Capacity-Building Program, launched following his visit to Yangling Agricultural Technology Demonstration Base, Shaanxi, in June 2024, is a flagship initiative designed to build technical capacity and enhance agricultural productivity in Pakistan.
As per the PM’s directives issued on 9th and 12th November 2024, the MNFSR-alongside HEC, MOFA, MoIT, NITB, and Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing-was tasked with implementing the program in three batches.
MNFSR developed fair and inclusive selection criteria, including 10 percent additional quota for Balochistan, and advertised the program nationally.
A Steering Committee and Technical Committee were established to oversee implementation and selection.
To facilitate the process, NITB developed a state-of-the-art digital portal for registration, screening, communication and report submission.
This platform will also be used for biweekly progress reports and post-training evaluations.
The first batch of 300 graduates was finalized with coordination among MNFSR, HEC, Intelligence Bureau (for security clearance), and the Chinese Embassy (for visa processing).
This first batch has completed their training in Shaanxi-based institution and they will return to Pakistan.
This initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s agenda to modernize agriculture, ensure food security, and promote rural prosperity.
It is an investment in human capital that will bring long-term dividends by transforming Pakistan’s agriculture into a more productive, climate-resilient, and export-oriented sector.