Advancement of CPEC Agricultural Cooperation Projects After 10 Years of BRI
Published on: December 20, 2023.
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Pakistan and China have made significant progress in agricultural cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This collaboration has introduced advanced Chinese agricultural technologies in Pakistan and facilitated the development of crop cultivation techniques through joint efforts between Pakistani and Chinese universities.
According to a research report titled “10 Years of Belt and Road Initiative – CPEC” by the financial think-tank KASB | KTrade, Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza, a graduate of China’s Sichuan Agricultural University, has played a crucial role in promoting China’s maize-soybean strip intercropping technology in Pakistan. Working alongside Professor Yang Wenyu, Dr. Raza convinced around 200 farmers in 2022 to adopt this technology. As a result, the area of maize-soybean strip intercropping technology in Pakistan has increased to over 400 acres, which is 2.67 times more than the previous autumn. This technology will not only reduce Pakistan’s reliance on soybean oil imports but also help save valuable foreign reserves.
The collaboration between the two countries has also extended to hybrid wheat and rice. Chinese hybrid wheat demonstration fields in Pakistan cover a substantial area of 3,000 to 5,000 hectares. Wheat production is a significant agricultural activity in Pakistan, with approximately 80% of farmers engaged in its cultivation. The total cultivated area for wheat accounts for about 40% of the country’s agricultural land. The introduction of hybrid wheat seeds, which yield 40% more per acre compared to conventional varieties, will help Pakistan overcome shortages caused by floods and enable the country to resume wheat exports, similar to the period between 2011 and 2013.
The agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and China under the CPEC has displayed promising results, benefiting both countries. By incorporating advanced Chinese agricultural technologies, Pakistan can enhance its crop cultivation techniques and reduce its dependence on imports. This collaboration paves the way for further advancements in the agricultural sector, contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth and self-sufficiency in food production.
Source: [Source Article](https://en.wenews.pk)
