Pakistan and China Collaborate to Improve Agriculture and Initiate Donkey Meat Export
The Government of Pakistan is collaborating with China to initiate donkey meat and hides export, as per the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR). This has been informed in a report tabled in the National Assembly on the answer of a query by Shazia Marri.
Training for Agriculture Graduates
To enhance contemporary agriculture in Pakistan, the government will be sending 1,000 graduates in agriculture to China for training. They will study seven key fields of contemporary agricultural technology.
Farm Modernization and Machinery
The MNFSR is also working on farm mechanization. Modern farm machinery from China has already been distributed among provincial governments. A bigger project of farm mechanization is pending approval.
To facilitate cotton cultivation, Pakistan is amending laws to import hybrid cotton seeds, which are renowned for their higher quality and output.
Improved Wheat Storage and Loans
A new EWR warehousing system has been launched to benefit wheat growers. It provides them with improved storage facilities and access to loans up to 70% of the market value of their crop.
Increased Exports to China
Exports of sesames and dried chilies to China have also increased substantially in the past few months.
More Investment in Agriculture
The government is preparing a system of deregulation for agri-products to make Pakistan’s agriculture market more appealing. This will lead to greater local and international investment.
Boosting Crop Yields
To combat low yields, the government has enhanced the way new crop varieties are tested and certified. The new system makes sure that wheat, rice, cotton, oilseeds, and corn varieties are yieldable and resistant to climate.
Digital System for Seeds
The National Seed Development & Regulatory Authority (NSDRA) has designed a digital system to register seed companies, nurseries, and new crop varieties. This minimizes delays and human mistakes and enhances transparency.
New Crop Trials and Quality Seeds
Pakistan is also trialing international wheat germplasm to bring in new, stress-tolerant crops. NSDRA is simultaneously making efforts to provide farmers with high-quality seeds to obtain better yields.
Food Export and Safety Authority
The government is establishing the National Agri-Trade & Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) to enhance food safety standards and facilitate the export of agricultural products.
