A high-level Chinese delegation has shown strong interest in investing in Pakistan’s agriculture sector, particularly in areas such as seed development, precision farming, smart irrigation systems, and agro-processing, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security on Tuesday.
The delegation, which included senior Chinese officials, agricultural scientists, and representatives from the private sector, met with Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, to explore avenues for expanded cooperation in agriculture.
Discussions focused on joint efforts to modernize Pakistan’s agricultural sector through research, innovation, and targeted investments. The Chinese delegation emphasized their country’s agricultural advancements and expressed readiness to share technical expertise and best practices.
“Through collaboration with China, Pakistan can benefit from scientific research, climate-resilient practices, and cutting-edge technologies that will improve farmers' productivity and secure long-term food security,” said Minister Hussain. He also emphasized the need to formalize partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese agricultural institutions.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing nearly 25% of the GDP and employing 37% of the labor force, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. However, challenges including climate change, rapid population growth, and inefficient resource management have significantly affected crop yields, prompting the government to seek international partnerships.
As part of an earlier initiative, Pakistan decided in June 2023 to send nearly 1,000 agricultural graduates to China for specialized training. Around 300 of them recently completed programs in Shaanxi Province, focusing on water-efficient irrigation, seed technology, animal husbandry, and post-harvest loss prevention.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Hussain proposed signing several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to promote joint research in biotechnology, crop enhancement, pest control, and sustainable agricultural practices.
He also called for long-term frameworks to facilitate the exchange of scientists, technical training, and capacity-building programs to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural institutions.
“This partnership must go beyond investment to structured collaboration in research and development,” Hussain said, according to the ministry.
The Chinese delegation welcomed the minister’s strategic vision and pledged full support from both their government and private sector to contribute to Pakistan’s agricultural transformation. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to advance the Pakistan-China agricultural partnership through coordinated planning and concrete outcomes in the near future.