Pakistan, China to multiply agro-economy cooperation
Gwadar Pro
Islamabad: Pakistan and China have agreed to multiply cooperation regarding the agro-economy.China is already helping Pakistan in the agriculture sector under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Pakistan has shown interest to apply Chinese technology in the agriculture sector to enhance production according to the desired level,
As part of the cooperation, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan Nong Rong called on the Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam here to exchange views on the agro-economy. The meeting was also attended by the senior officials of the ministry.
The Chinese Ambassador, on the occasion, said that Juncao technology allows farmers to grow different types of nutritional mushrooms from chopped grasses without cutting down trees and damaging the environment.
He said it can be used for producing feed, biogas and also minimize soil erosion to combat desertification. He said farmers can generate income in 7-10 days after planting mushroom substrate packs.
The Ambassador indicated that 1 hectare land produces 300 tons of fresh grass per year can grow 120 tons of fresh mushroom or feed 300 goats.
It solves the forage shortage in the winter season as well. He said that 13 centres of this technology had been set up globally and the next will be set up in Pakistan.
The envoy proposed that three tier exchanges should be promoted including Government to Government, Business to Business and Research to Research.
During the meeting, Fakhar Imam said that Pakistan and China should enhance their relationship in regard to agro-economy.
He welcomed the Ambassador and said that China and Pakistan had an excellent relationship which is a model for other countries.
The two dignitaries agreed to explore and enhance relationship in production of agriculture inputs particularly pesticides, fertilizer, machinery and support services including agricultural education and research.
They vowed to improve the agricultural infrastructure in the regions along the CPEC projects.
This includes crop farming, livestock breeding, forestry and food growing, and aquatic and fishery for the development of comprehensive agricultural production capacity, construction of farmland water conservancy facility and agricultural products circulation facility.
The two also agreed to collaborate in forestry, horticulture, fisheries and livestock medicines and vaccines. They vowed to strengthen production of horticultural products.
Fakhar Imam said that the trade between the two countries can achieve new heights if Pakistan enhances export of fruits, vegetables and rice to China.
He believed Pakistan had huge export potential in terms vegetables and fruits such as mango, citrus fruits and apple cherries.
The dignitaries agreed to sign two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance export of onion to China and to introduce revolutionary Chinese Juncao technology.
