Pak-China Joint Efforts Result in Successful Chili Production Partnership
Published on: January 12, 2024.
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Collaboration between Pakistan and China Yields First Shipment of Red Chili Exported to China
The partnership between Pakistan and China in the cultivation of high-yielding red chili in Sindh is proving successful, with the first shipment of red chili being sent to China.
Through the expertise of a Chinese company, the Kunri Research Institute developed the Kunri-I and Nageena varieties of chili, which have yielded 25-30 percent more than previous varieties. The first shipment was sent off by Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retired) Maqbool Baqar, who emphasized the enormous potential for trade, cooperation, and industry-level partnership between the two countries.
Currently, chili is grown on over 143,000 acres in Pakistan, producing approximately 144,000 tonnes. Sindh alone contributes about 80 percent to the national production. Various districts including Umarkot, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Dadu, and Shikarpur are used for the production of red chili.
China’s involvement in contract farming, the use of modern technology, and the provision of training to local farmers has played a significant role in unlocking Pakistan’s potential for high-quality chili production. The project has been successful on model farms, resulting in a yield of 700 tons of dried chilies, highlighting the promising prospects of this collaboration.
Expanding Pakistan’s Agricultural Exports to Include Dried Red Chilies to China
Agriculture is a crucial sector in Pakistan, accounting for 23 percent of the country’s GDP and employing 37.4 percent of the national labor force. Pakistan holds the distinction of being the world’s 4th largest exporter of rice and is now expanding its exports to include dried red chilies to China.
In recent years, there has been a decline in dried red chili exports from Pakistan, leading to strategic collaboration with China under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The successful implementation of a pilot project in 2021, testing chili cultivation in Pakistan, laid the foundation for this remarkable achievement.
Unfortunately, the chili farmers in Sindh were severely affected by flooding last year. As a province heavily dependent on agriculture, extreme climate conditions have taken a toll on the rural economies.
In an interview with WealthPK, Dr. Mubarik Ahmed, consultant agriculture and food at the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), highlighted the importance of using modern techniques to manage phytosanitary measures and meet the food safety requirements of importing countries. This includes addressing issues such as aflatoxin and pesticide residues. The TDAP is also planning to help local farmers by installing more chili dryer units.
Source: https://www.nation.com.pk
