Pakistan Agriculture Developments

[ghazi52]

CPEC agro-project rep shares collaboration experience at COP28​

By Mariam Raheem
Dec 12, 2023

DUBAI, - “Through in-depth cooperation in the transfer of advanced technologies and industries, increasing production and expanding exports, China-Pakistan agricultural industry cooperation can not only ensure the demand and supply of China, but also create job opportunities and foreign exchange reserves for Pakistan. Through concrete project cooperation, both sides can better enhance the economic integration and people-to-people exchanges,” highlighted Peter Huang, Commercial Head of Litong Economic Corridor Co., Ltd (LTEC) at the ongoing COP28 held in Dubai.

Peter Huang at COP28

He noted that COP28 is likely to have a positive effect in promoting the sustainable development of agriculture in both China and Pakistan, as more than 100,000 people are expected to participate in COP28, including more than 140 heads of state and policy makers. “As one of the countries most affected by climate change in the world, Pakistan is expected to receive international attention at COP28 and such efforts will play a positive role in the sustainable development of agriculture in China and Pakistan,” he added.

Sustainable agricultural cooperation between China and Pakistan is of great significance to the two countries. Pakistan is an agricultural country, with agriculture employing around 40% of the population and accounting for about 23% of the agricultural GDP. Successful cooperation between China and Pakistan in agriculture can better benefit ordinary farmers in Pakistan.

On the other hand, Pakistan's large-scale agricultural exports can create foreign exchange reserves for Pakistan and play a certain balancing role in Sino-Pak trade. In addition, the stable supply of agricultural products in the market through Sino-Pak agricultural cooperation can promote the integration of Pakistan's agricultural and food industries, bring in value-added industries such as food processing to meet local demand, reduce imports and realize value-added exports.

As the operating company of the first batch of agricultural projects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), LTEC has rich resources and long-term industrial planning in the agriculture and food industry, and the company has the layout of the whole industrial chain in agriculture from seeds to tables. Peter stressed that Pakistan is heavily affected by climate change, and the precise matching of crop characteristics and planting times needs to be considered in the country's planting planning.

He expressed optimism over the trend of Sino-Pakistan agricultural cooperation, stressing that industrialization of agriculture is the main direction. “LTEC plans to reach the annual export target of 200,000 tons of dried chili within five years, gradually increasing production capacity according to the decomposition target, giving priority to exports to China, while radiating the international market. And in 2025 it will start the construction of China-Pakistan food industrial park, including tomato sauce, animal oil refining and other related agricultural and food industries landing,” he concluded.

 

[ghazi52]

The myth of self sufficiency​

BR Research
December 14, 2023

Earlier this week, a widely circulated news report, including in this newspaper, indicated that the federal government of Pakistan has “decided to add a sunset clause to Pakistan Biosafety Rules, 2005 and guidelines to contain the import of genetically modified soybean and canola seeds”. This news report follows an earlier in-principle decision by the caretaker government last month to amend the biosafety rules to allow the import of GMO oilseeds for the explicit purpose of food, feed, and processing (FFP) only.

Policymaking in Pakistan continues to beggars’ belief. In October 2022, the coalition PDM government banned the import of genetically engineered oilseeds, after the food security minister declared that GMOs were poisonous for human consumption. The decision brought the poultry and solvent extraction industries to a standstill, as key raw materials such as soybean and canola were removed from the supply chain overnight.

Despite fierce advocacy campaigns by the poultry and edible oil industries, the issue remained unresolved as babus at various ministries – including climate change, food security, health, and science & technology – took months to ‘deliberate’ upon already concluded and unanimous findings of a Technical Advisory Committee, made up of subject experts. Those deliberations yielded precious little, until certain elements leaned in on the issue, forcing the interim set to short-circuit the process and notifying amendments on a policy matter. One which would otherwise strictly have been the purview of an elected government. Now, it seems that the decision is not without conditions.

What prompted the interim government to add the sunset clause? The news report indicates that policymakers in Islamabad view the growing food import bill as a threat to domestic food security. After all, Pakistan’s rising food import bill has become a battle cry for many advocates of import substitution, who often lament that the trade deficit in food is a travesty for an agro-based economy.

In recent years, the demand for import substitution in agri-imports has picked up steam, especially for plant-based fats and oilseeds. Critics point out that major producers of these commodities such as China, USA, India, Brazil, and Indonesia provide generous crop support programs to enable domestic cultivation. Meanwhile, despite rising local demand, Pakistan has failed to make domestic production a policy priority.

Such criticism completely ignores the lack of suitability of Pakistan’s climate to grow these non-native crops. Moreover, any meaningful attempt at import substitution would require not only several million hectares of land, but also billions of gallons of water for irrigation. And while ‘million-acre-wastelands’ have become the new buzzwords in this ‘decade of corporate farming’, no amount of interest-free loans can enable the successful plantation of an equatorial crop like a palm in Cholistan or a temperate climate crop like soybean in Thal.

Here’s in fact another view. Rather than worrying about the import bill, let rich countries such as USA subsidize their farmers and export cheap grain to deficit nations such as Pakistan. Let Indonesia and Brazil worry about deforestation caused by intensive farming of palm and soybeans. Eat their subsidies, rather than increase your own fiscal spending in a race to bottom.

Rich countries that subsidize their farmers and then advocate free trade to export surplus are an advantage, not a threat to the food security of countries such as Pakistan. For every dollar the US government spends on supporting soybean production, 50 cents flow to importing nations indirectly in the form of lower prices.

Any sincere attempt at achieving national food security would make fulfilling the nutritional needs of all citizens – the 250 million consumers of Pakistan – a policy priority, not a segment of farmers or producers. Take a leaf out of the Chinese playbook, which spends over $100 billion on annual food imports, and runs a $50 billion trade deficit in agriculture. Or learn from Bangladesh’s trade strategy, which imports cheap cotton from India and USA – produced using generous subsidies for their local farmers – and exports it back to Western destinations in the form of garments sold at steep markups.

The specter of rising food import bills is a red herring. Instead, the real challenge is the continued failure to discover where the natural comparative advantage in exports lies. Solve that challenge, and the problem of import affordability would go away on its own. To succeed, Pakistan need not remain an agro-based economy forever, nor produce every single domestic consumed commodity locally. Don’t let the snake charmers fool you.

 

[ghazi52]

First contract-based farming, sesame cargo to reach China this month​

By Fatima Javed
Dec 5, 2023

LAHORE, - The first sesame cargo of 50 tons based on contract farming will be delivered to China this month. The testing farm started early this year by China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) will boost innovative farming and agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
“The first cargo of 50 tons was all collected from our contract farming, it will reach China before 25th Dec”, Xi Jianlong, project manager of contract farming at CMEC Pakistan.

Sesame cargo ready for shipment to China

He said, “We would like to expand sesame contract farming next season to 30000 acres in Pakistan and will export 10000 tons to China. Our company has many contract-based farms in Sindh and Punjab including dry red chili and sorghum farms.”

“Our first project on contract farming was for dry red chili, our red chili farms are located in Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, and Muzaffargarh. After sesame the 3rd project is contract farming of sorghum, its farms are located in Lahore, Okara, and Khanewal,” Xi added.

Xi Jianlong mentioned his company also plans to export red chili and sorghum to China. “We are the first Chinese company to execute contract farming in Pakistan benefiting the local farmers. Introducing modern technology will improve Pakistan’s yearly yield and trading volume giving a boost to exports.”

Earlier in August the company signed an MOU to revolutionize sustainable food systems, bridging small farmers and end-to-end value chains for enhanced efficiency and food security.

Sorghum farm by CMEC in Lahore

Contract farming in Pakistan has several benefits for local farmers, such as providing smallholder farmers access to better inputs and technology, reducing market risks, improving income stability, and fostering agricultural modernization.

Contract farming in Pakistan has gained traction as a mechanism to link farmers with agribusinesses or companies, especially in sectors like cotton, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

This arrangement has been seen as a way to enhance agricultural productivity, improve quality standards, and provide market access to smallholder farmers.

 

[ghazi52]

China to support Pakistan in developing high-quality hybrid seeds for boosting crop production​

The Frontier Post

ISLAMABAD (APP): Liu Jianming, Deputy Party Secretary and Deputy Political Commissar of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, said that China will provide support to Pakistan in best-quality disease-resistant, high-yield hybrid seeds for cotton, canola, and wheat crops.

This aims to achieve bumper crop production while also meeting the ever-increasing needs of the textile industry to earn desperately needed foreign exchange.

During his visit to the head office of Guard Agricultural Research and Services, he said, “We have better crop production through modern mechanized agriculture farming,” according to a news release.

He said, “China will cooperate with Pakistan for cotton hybrid seed, including sunflower, maize, sesame, and others.”

He said, “China will also share its successful experience with “Water Saving Technology.”

He highly appreciated the research activities of Guard Agriculture Research, and all nine members of the delegation evinced keen interest and were invited to visit China for one-on-one interaction with stakeholders.

He said, “Together, we can harness the power of innovation to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector in Pakistan,” adding that China is ready to provide technical expertise, research collaboration, and necessary resources to facilitate the development of cutting-edge hybrid seeds.”

He said, “Recognizing the significance of the agriculture sector, China is eager to support Pakistan in hybrid seeds, and our shared goal is to enhance crop productivity and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.”

Cao Ke, Deputy Consul General, was also present on the occasion.

Earlier, Shahzad Ali Malik, CEO of Guard Agri, welcomed the visiting delegation and informed them, “We are pioneers in evolving the first ever Guard Hitech hybrid rice seed, which not only doubled the production but also enhanced manifold the profitability of the farmers in Pakistan.”

He said, “Guard Agri has been engaged in research since 1999 with the active collaboration of Longping Chinese Company.”

He said, “Our rice is exported to 41 countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.”

Shahzad Ali Malik said, “We are conducting research in rice, wheat, cotton, maize, oil seed, and vegetables at different stations sprawling over Punjab and Sindh provinces.”

“Pakistan wants to increase production of all crops with modern technology and Chinese expertise,” he added.

He thanked the Chinese delegation for visiting Pioneer Company and accepted their invitation to visit Xinjiang Province for further cooperation and collaboration in the agriculture sector.

 

[ghazi52]

Pak-China sugarcane coop edges ahead for bright future despite challenges​

By Wu Siya
Nov 26, 2023

FAISALABAD, – “The surge in sugar prices in Pakistan reflects a series of deep-rooted elements. Key factors contributing to this situation includes the increase in sugarcane production costs manipulation by domestic sugar “mafia” and a flawed subsidy system.

Moreover, our entire sugarcane industry needs technological changes to bring about industrial upgrading and help reduce related costs,” Dr. Fahd Rasul, Associate Professor of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) told Gwadar Pro the highly volatile sugar price has jumped from 85 rupees/kg to 160-170 rupees/kg ahead of the crushing season start.

Fahd Rasul in the sugarcane field

The sweet dilemma

Sugarcane production in 2021-22 based on official plantation areas of about 1.25 million hectares was about 88.6 million tons, a certain growth from the same period of last year (1.16 million ha/80.9 million tons).

The unit output in 2021-22 (70.35 Tons/Ha) is almost the same as the previous year (69.55 Tons/Ha), according to Annual Report 2022 published by Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA). However, Pakistan’s sugarcane yield per hectare is much lower than that of other major producers. In 2018 alone, the yield was 62 tons, far below the world average of 73 tons as well as India’s 80 tons.

Pakistan sugarcane industry overview [Photo/PSMA website ]

Sikandar Khan, a PSMA senior official, noted that in addition to artificial factors such as monopoly and market manipulation, the increase in sugarcane production costs such as fertilizers, pesticides and transportation is the main reasons for the soaring sugar prices. Sugarcane uses more subsidized agricultural inputs than other cash crops, especially fertilizers and water.

In highly water-stressed countries, including Pakistan, sugarcane consumes much more water than any other cash crop. It is urgent to cultivate high-quality sugarcane varieties that consume less water, have higher sugar extraction efficiency, and are more resistant to pests and diseases.

“The sugarcane industry in Pakistan is characterized by the cultivation of several key varieties, particularly in the Punjab region. Among the notable varieties are CPF-248, CPF-249, CPF-250, CPF-251, and CPF-252, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of maturation period, yield, and resistance to diseases, in which CPF-248 has the highest sugar content at 12.71%; at the same time, it has good tillering potential, resist lodging, and thus suitable for regeneration,” Fahd Rasul elaborated.


In addition, in order to better expand the global market, Pakistan should comprehensively improve the level of sugar industry to allow more domestic mills to obtain Bonsucro sugar certification, the leading global sustainability platform and standard for sugarcane. Currently only 3 mills are certified for Bonsucro.

Promising collaboration with China

“While these varieties contribute significantly to our sugarcane industry, there is a recognized need for collaboration with China to further enhance production, technological adoption, and disease resistance,” Prof Rasul pointed out.

“The recent think tank session at the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) highlighted the potential for cooperation in the sugarcane sector between the two countries. Several bilateral discussions of our sugarcane research group and Guangzhou Sugar Industry Research Institute happened and an MoU was also in discussion. Hopefully it could be signed soon.”

According to Rasul, the potential areas of cooperation include not only technology transfer like tissue culture and disease-free seedling, exchange of leading varieties from China, collaboration on integrated pest management strategies, training programs for Pakistani scientists and experts in collaboration with institutions like China's Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), but also modernization of Pakistan’s agriculture sector, aligning it with international standards by leveraging China's expertise.

Pakistan’s subtropical climate is suitable for sugarcane growth. The sugarcane yield in some areas is similar to that of China, where average yield is 740 maunds per acre. Some advanced farmers with high cultivation level can harvest up to 2,000 maunds per acre, especially in Rahim yar khan, south Punjab. “Breeding facilities from China are desirable and varietal breeding programs can help enhance the sustainability of Pakistan’s sugarcane industry.”

Regarding the extraction, the reporter was told that despite ranking as the 9th largest global sugar producer with a raw output of 4,881,225-ton, Pakistan’s susceptibility to world price fluctuations and the necessity to import sugar underscore the need for improvement. “To tackle this, investments in technological upgrades within sugar mills are imperative, focusing on advanced machinery to optimize sugar extraction from sugarcane while minimizing waste,”

Rasul added that machinery upgrade and worker training contain possible opportunities for Pakistan-China cooperation, echoed by the PCJCCI officials, including President Moazzam Ghurki and Vice President Hamza Khalid, both of whom emphasized the potential for a “sweet revolution” through collaborative efforts, envisioning a scenario where both nations, as “iron friends,” can export high-grade sugar to the global market.

“On a deeper level, exploring diversification opportunities for sugarcane-derived products beyond sugar alone, such as ethanol, molasses, and bagasse and newer market sectors, from alcohol to biofuels and bioplastics, offers strategic avenues for market expansion. Cooperation with China in these aspects can gradually help Pakistan get rid of the backward situation of single industrial structure,” Rasul.

 

[ghazi52]

Ministry for implementing ‘high-efficiency’ irrigation system​

Naveed Butt

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (MoPDSI) emphasised on implementation of the high-efficiency irrigation system with state-of-the-art technologies for the development of the agriculture sector.

The caretaker Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Muhammad Sami Saeed, on Thursday, chaired a meeting to review progress on the water resource sector and the implementation status of the National Water Policy, 2018.

The meeting was attended by member infrastructure, chief water resources and other relevant stakeholders.

During the meeting, a comprehensive briefing was given to the minister over the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), availability of water in the system, total sectoral water demand and challenges faced by the system due to sedimentation, population growth, poor water management, groundwater recharge, climate change and inefficient utilization of water resources. In addition, salient features of National Water Policy 2018, strategic priorities and national targets set for 2030 were also discussed in detail.

During the meeting, the planning minister stressed on implementation of the High Efficiency Irrigation System with state-of-the-art technologies.

He was informed that the IBIS of Pakistan is the fourth-largest irrigation network system in the world. About 20.2 million hectares of land is cultivated through annual flows of 138.4 MAF in Pakistan. Pakistan has 6,668 glaciers more than any country, anywhere on earth. Groundwater contribution is about 50 MAF. The agriculture sector is the major user of available water, 94 per cent of irrigation water is utilised by the agriculture sector, whereas, domestic and industrial uses are 5.2 and 0.8 percent.

Furthermore, the chair was informed that in order to cope with the challenges of water resources and climate threats, the first-ever National Water Policy was developed and approved by the Council for Common Interest (CCI) in 2018.

The strategic priorities of the policy are Conservation and Efficiency, Storages, Renewable Energy, IWRM and Regulatory Frameworks. It was informed that out of six planning principles of policy, the key principle is “Equity and participatory decision-making; Water sector activities shall be participatory and consultative at each level and decisions will be taken by consensus.”

 

[ghazi52]

First shipment of dried chillies leaves for China​

Tahir Siddiqui
December 20, 2023

KARACHI

KARACHI: Pakistan on Tuesday shipped the first consignment of dried chillies to China as part of a drive to increase exports of agricultural commodities.

Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister retired Justice Maqbool Baqar sent off the shipment of dried chilies from the province to China, saying the potential for trade, cooperation and industry-level partnerships between the two countries was vast.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the shipment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s (CPEC) agricultural project, he said Sindh contributed approximately 80 per cent of the total national production of chillies, amounting to 144,000 tonnes.

The ceremony was also attended by the consul general of China, while recorded messages of the federal food minister and Chinese ambassador were shown on the screen.

The chief minister said the prospect of deeper cooperation held the promise of a brighter future for both the nations. He extended best wishes for the inaugural shipment of chillies from Pakistan to China.

CM says Sindh contributes 80pc of total national production of chillies

“This milestone transcends mere commercial significance; it symbolises the realisation of our collaborative efforts,” he said, adding that it may be the precursor of many more successful ventures, opening new avenues for trade and fortifying the economic ties between the two countries.

He said the collaborative efforts served as an exemplary model, demonstrating how such partnerships could yield economic benefits, create employment opportunities and foster cross-cultural understanding.

The chief minister lauded the efforts made by Chinese company Sichuan Litong and the Chinese embassy and the role played by the agriculture and plant protection department in this regard.

He said the commemoration of export was a testament to the exemplary strides made in fostering China-Pakistan friendship and advancing economic collaboration, exemplified by the commendable achievements of both Pakistani farmers and Sichuan Litong.

Mr Baqar said the enduring bond between the two nations showcased through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC. He said the agriculture department’s Research Institute, Kunri, had developed two new varieties — Kunri-I and Nageena — which produced 25-30 per cent more yield than local varieties. He said the chillies produced in Kunri were renowned for their colour and taste.

“The establishment of dehydration and processing facilities could help minimise aflatoxin growth and improve its quality and demand in the international market, which contributes to earning foreign exchange,” he added.

The CM said Sindh was endowed with fertile lands and a diverse climate and represented an abundant reservoir of agricultural potential. “Our province, with its storied history in agriculture, stands poised to leverage these resources for sustainable and innovative practices,” he said.

“We have observed the noteworthy achievements of Chinese agri-products company, Sichuan Litong, and recognised the transformative partnerships that could elevate our agricultural landscape and bring tangible benefits to our farmers.”

Mr Baqar said chillies were grown on more than 143,000 acres of land with a production of approximately 144,000 tonnes in the country. “Sindh contributes about 80 per cent in national production,” he said, adding that major chilli-growing districts in Sindh were Umarkot, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Dadu and Shikarpur.

First shipment of dried chillies leaves for China

CM says Sindh contributes 80pc of total national production of chillies.

www.dawn.com

 

[ghazi52]

Chinese intercropping tech tailored for Pakistan to reduce soybean imports​

By Staff Reporter | Gwadar Pro
Dec 21, 2023

ISLAMABAD, - "Rather than creating new/dedicated cultivation window for soybean production, the existing area under cultivation of sugarcane and maize bears the potential to produce up to 2.7 million tons of soybean with the same land, water and fertilizer resources that are being supplied to these major crops," said Dr. Sajad Hussain from the National Research Center of Intercropping (NRCI) at the just-concluded National Workshop on Soybean Production in Pakistan organized by FAO to make possible solutions for reducing soybean's import bill of $1 billion by domestically producing 2-2.5 million tons of soybeans.

In the technical session, representatives of different institutes shared their research, current challenges and status of soybean cultivation in Pakistan. Dr. Sajad presented the practical and possible solution of soybean cultivation with intercropping technology in Pakistan. He emphasized that designating new area for soybean as well as convincing the farmers for large scale mono-cropping of soybean at the expense of compromising cultivation area of major crops would be extremely difficult. "4 major crops i.e. wheat (9 million ha), maize (1.6 million ha), sugarcane (1.26 million ha) and cotton (1.9 million ha) are being cultivated extensively.

To produce soybean of the target, we will need to cultivate soybean on at least 2 million ha by replacing any other major crop," he said.

According to Dr. Sajad, under the present challenging scenario of soybean demand in Pakistan, the strip intercropping of soybean with other major crops would the best possible solution. Since 2018, Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza, a post-doc who graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University (SAU), China, and now acts as the Director of NRCI, has started to promote China's maize-soybean strip intercropping technology in Pakistan with his professor Yang Wenyu's support and guidance, which has received good response in recent years. "Up till now, over 2,000 farmers have successfully practiced intercropping in Pakistan," Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza revealed.

Currently, NRCI is working on the different cereal-legume intercropping systems including wheat-based and sugarcane-based intercropping system. Moreover, local scientists at the institute has already developed and optimized the maize-soybean and sugarcane-soybean intercropping systems as a possible solution to beat the rising import bill of soybean in Pakistan. "Through these optimized intercropping systems, we can harvest an additional 1 ton of soybeans at least, along with 72 tons of sugarcane or 7.5 tons of maize per hectare," Dr. Sajad concluded.

Intercropping demonstration plots at the National Research Center of Intercropping (NRCI). [Photo provided by Muhammad Ali Raza]

The session chair of Formulation of National Plan for Soybean Production, Vice Chancellor, University Agriculture Faisalabad, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad endorsed the potential of intercropping systems especially the sugarcane-soybean intercropping to address the soybean production problems in Pakistan. He stressed to include the soybean-based intercropping systems of NRCI as a potential solution to meet the targets in 5 years' production plan of soybean.

Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, Caretaker Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R), Captain (Retd) Muhammad Mahmood, Federal Secretary MNSF&R, Ms. Florence Rolle, Country Representative FAO in Pakistan, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali Chairman PARC, Dr. Muhammad Arshad, Director, Crop Sciences Institute, NARC, etc. attended the workshop.

Chinese intercropping tech tailored for Pakistan to reduce soybean imports

ISLAMABAD, Dec. 21 (Gwadar Pro) - "Rather than creating new/dedicated cultivation window for soybean

www.gwadarpro.pk

 

[ghazi52]

Sichuan kiwifruit training program ignites Pak-China cooperation​

By Gwadar Pro
Dec 26, 2023

CHENGDU - In December, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, in collaboration with the Sichuan Provincial Academy of Natural Resources Sciences, organized a 15-day international training program on kiwifruit industry technology in Chengdu and Deyang, two cities in Sichuan province, China.

Twenty agricultural experts from Pakistan, Egypt and other Belt and Road countries participated in the training, exchanging knowledge on kiwifruit breeding, cultivation, pest control, post-harvest storage and preservation techniques.

China is the birthplace of kiwifruit, and Sichuan is the second-largest kiwifruit producing region in China. With over 40 years of development, Sichuan has cultivated kiwifruit on an area of 750,000 acres, with an annual production of 440,000 tons.

During the training period, the members visited numerous local kiwifruit farms, where they had the opportunity to taste the distinctive red-fleshed and yellow-fleshed kiwifruit varieties. They also had the chance to visit the China-New Zealand Kiwifruit Joint Laboratory.

Wang Yongzhi, Deputy Director of the Sichuan Provincial Academy of Natural Resources Sciences, emphasized the importance of international scientific and technological cooperation. In 2014, the academy established the China-New Zealand Kiwifruit Joint Laboratory in partnership with the New Zealand Royal Institute of Plant and Food Research.

“Over the past decade, the joint laboratory has achieved remarkable milestones in kiwifruit breeding, cultivation techniques and disease control. The laboratory has independently developed kiwifruit varieties that have been approved in 11 countries, including Italy and Chile, covering an area exceeding 3,500 hectares.” He added.

The collaborative laboratory model has drawn the attention of Allah Warayo Rind, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture in Sindh Province, Pakistan. He was also deeply impressed by the advanced technologies of kiwifruit cultivation and cold chain system in Sichuan.

He stated, "During our visits to many farms in Sichuan, we have seen the methods that China uses for kiwifruit cultivation, preservation, and sales. These experiences can all be replicated in Pakistan. In Pakistan, kiwifruit mainly relies on imports, and it’s expensive. extensive domestic cultivation can make kiwifruits more affordable for consumers."

At present, China and Pakistan have initiated collaboration in the kiwifruit industry, with numerous kiwifruit seeds sourced from China being planted by Pakistani farmers. Allah Warayo Rind believes that the training program can serve as a promising starting point for deeper cooperation between Pakistan and China in the kiwifruit industry, which could potentially involve joint researches, cooperation agreements, and the exchange of experts.

Sichuan kiwifruit training program ignites Pak-China cooperation

CHENGDU, Dec 26 (Gwadar Pro) - In December, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, in collabor

www.gwadarpro.pk

 

[ghazi52]

Sindh govt imports urea worth Rs4.5b​

Cabinet decision aims to tackle fertiliser shortages, ease financial burden on farmers in Rabi crop season

GOHAR ALI KHAN
December 27, 2023

There is an immediate need to import urea to ensure that there is no shortage of the essential input especially for wheat sowing.

In a strategic move guided by the Sindh Agriculture Department’s counsel, the Sindh caretaker government has opted to import 52,800 metric tonnes of urea at a cost of approximately Rs4.5 billion for the ongoing Rabi crop season 2023-24, revealed Sindh Agriculture Secretary Syed Aijaz Ali Shah in an update shared with the Express Tribune.

This decision, born out of necessity, was made during a recent cabinet meeting of the Sindh caretaker government. Despite being a bitter pill to swallow, the Sindh government found itself compelled to bear the cost due to the federal government’s directive requiring Sindh to cover 100% of the import expenses for urea this time.

Anticipating an improvement in the situation, Shah mentioned that the cabinet’s decision would have positive repercussions in the days to come.

“We formed advisory committees at the provincial and district levels. In the district advisory committee, the chairman will be a deputy commissioner, and it will include an additional director from Sindh Agriculture Extension and an official from the abadgar (farmer) body. The committee’s role will involve conducting raids and crackdowns against price hikes and hoarding. We have ensured that urea bags are provided to abadgars at controlled rates, preventing them from being sold on the black market,” Shah explained.

He added that another meeting on this issue is scheduled for the day after tomorrow (Dec 28).

Sindh, despite contributing 25% (or 740,000 metric tonnes) to the total local production of urea fertilisers, is grappling with a severe shortage, he said. While Sindh supplies gas to fertiliser companies and urea is produced in the province, factors like fertiliser smuggling and gas shortages are exacerbating the situation.

In the current scenario, Shah stressed the need to enhance Sindh’s quota to 40%. Despite a demand for 740,000 metric tonnes for the Rabi season, only 731,000 metric tonnes were approved, and this quantity was not being allocated to Sindh, creating further challenges.



Read Govt to ensure provision of urea to farmers

Additionally, the federal government has directed the Sindh government to ensure payment for the imported urea worth Rs6.5 billion from last year, where a 50% subsidy was provided. However, the Sindh government contends that the import occurred without consulting them, and confusion persists regarding the delivery status.

Growers welcome cabinet decision

The cabinet decision has garnered a positive response from growers and their representative bodies, who see it as a crucial step in alleviating the agricultural crisis.

“It is a good initiative. The Sindh government, along with its relevant departments of Revenue and Sindh Agriculture Extension, must fulfil their respective responsibilities by promptly delivering the imported urea bags to growers. The government should focus on the fair distribution of fertiliser bags, leveraging the data from both Revenue and Sindh Agriculture Extension to ensure equitable and speedy distribution. This will provide much-needed relief to poor and neglected farmers,” remarked Nabi Bux Sathio, Senior Vice President of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA).

Nawab Zubair Talpur, President of Sindh Abadgar Ittehad (SAI), also welcomed the move but expressed reservations about the failure of Sindh government departments to control the crisis effectively. He raised concerns about the smuggling of fertilisers to Afghanistan, where a 50kg bag of fertiliser is being sold at Rs7,000.

“If the wheat sowing season proceeds without fertiliser applications, it will damage the wheat crop, causing a serious shortage of food. Food insecurity will prevail, making it challenging for the government to import wheat for the entire nation in case of a wheat shortage,” warned Talpur.

Sindh govt imports urea worth Rs4.5b | The Express Tribune

Cabinet decision aims to tackle fertiliser shortages, ease financial burden on farmers in Rabi crop season

tribune.com.pk

 

[ghazi52]

Analyst says agri sector performed well despite challenges​

Recorder Report
December 31, 2023

Economic challenges in 2023 were quite bigger but we have seen tremendous progress in agriculture which further needs to be improved massively by adopting latest technology, innovation, mechanism and incentives to farmers said Ateeq-ur-Rehman (economic & financial analyst).

The piled up electricity & gas circular debts have to be eliminated in 2024 in order to minimize the electricity tariffs. On one hand the common man and on the other industries are suffering heavily due to persistent huge utility charges.

He added that this situation has not only disturbed the manufacturing industry but also caused decline in the exports of goods & services, hence paralyzing the economy. The debt management through debt servicing is another serious challenge. In past Bank Borrowing apart from external borrowing has been doubled.

The outstanding debt has been found at a record high of 78% despite regular debt and interest payments. We have to reduce our fiscal and budget deficits by reducing the cost of doing business and eliminating our expenditures, said Ateeq. We always planned to go for Indigenous raw material and Import Substitution Industries but so far not much has been do neon it.

The 98 percent consumed raw material is imported paying custom and other additional duties, thus raising the cost of imported raw material and eventually raising the cost of production.

The ultimate sufferers are the common man and the local consumers.

However, the import substitution Industry is also a victim of higher electricity & gas charges. The importance of producing local raw material is inevitable and unavoidable. The World Bank in their recent report has demanded that action is needed to change the economic policies.

The implementation of the economic policies certainly needs to include reduction in circular debt, electricity tariffs, gas prices, higher interest rates.

The planning of debt management and debt servicing is important and has to be the top priority along with producing locally, the raw material, ensuring growth of exports and import substitution is a must.

 

[ghazi52]

ECC maintains wheat support price for 2023-24​

Staff Reporter
Jan 3, 2024

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet declined the Ministry of National Food Security and Research’s proposal to elevate the support price of wheat for the upcoming crop year (2023-24) to Rs 4,000 per 40 kg. Instead, the ECC has chosen to retain the previous year’s support price of Rs 3,900 per 40 kg.

The decision, reached after consultations with provincial governments, aims to provide consistency and avoid a substantial increase seen in the support price during 2022-23.
The Food and Agriculture Ministry’s summary highlighted that the ECC, in its March 1, 2023 meeting, fixed the profitable support price at Rs 3,900 per 40 kg, allowing for a 44 percent profit margin.
This adjustment was made in response to the challenges posed by the 2022 floods and economic constraints in rural areas. The ECC considered the average cost of production for an average farmer at Rs 2,495 per 40 kg.
While the Agriculture Policy Institute (API) proposed a cost of production at Rs 3,304 per 40 kg for the upcoming wheat crop, the provincial governments unanimously submitted recommendations to set the minimum support price at Rs 4,000 per 40 kg.

The ECC also received data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), indicating an average wheat price of Rs 4,939.38 per 40 kg and wheat flour at Rs 2,831.33 per 20 kg. Additionally, the International Grains Council reported Black-Sea wheat prices at USD 245/MT (FOB) or USD 323/MT (CNF) at Karachi.

To address the demand-supply gap of 2.40 MMT in the country, the private sector has been encouraged to import wheat. As of December 4, 2023, 20 private vessels have imported 1,147,795 MT of wheat, with an additional 1.00 MMT expected by the end of February 2024.

Due to delays in provincial responses, the announcement of the support price has been postponed, impacting the ideal time for wheat sowing in mid-November.

The recommendations from provincial governments varied, with Punjab proposing Rs 4,000 per 40 kg, followed by Sindh at Rs 4,000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Rs 4,100, and Balochistan at Rs 400 per 40 kg.

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce have supported the Ministry of NFSR’s recommendation to set the profitable support price at Rs 4,000 per 40 kg. The summary has been forwarded to the ECC for consideration.

ECC maintains wheat support price for 2023-24

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet declined the Ministry of Nat

www.gwadarpro.pk

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan experienced an extraordinary surge of 117.85 percent in Sesame seed exports to China in 2023, with shipments totaling $250 million from January to November.