Islamabad, 25 April 2024 (TDI): In the eastern Bhakkar district of Pakistan, farmers marveled as newly imported oilseed harvesters from China efficiently performed tasks.
According to local farmer Muhammad Masood, reliance on a single harvester led to substantial crop losses.
Furthermore, the high cost of imported edible oil forced many to opt for cheaper, less healthy alternatives. However, with Chinese canola varieties entering the market, farmers gained new choices.
Transforming Pakistan’s Oilseed Industry
Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the focus on agriculture has expanded. Moreover, Chinese company Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Seed Co. Ltd. and Pakistani company Evyol Group partnered to boost edible oil self-sufficiency in Pakistan. Moreover, Ghazanfar Ali from Evyol Group highlighted the benefits of Chinese hybrid seeds and advanced harvesting technology.
Additionally, Zhou Xusheng from Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Seed Company discussed the development of harvesting equipment tailored to local needs. These innovations aim to reduce harvest losses, boost yields, and enhance farmers’ incomes. Ali emphasized CPEC’s role in empowering farmers and elevating socio-economic standards.
“Through technology transfer, CPEC empowers local farmers to not only reduce labor and costs but also increase their earnings, enabling them to lead more prosperous lives, besides giving benefit to society as a whole,” he said.
Technology and Oilseed harvest
Akmal Siddiq from Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research emphasized the importance of technology transfer in modernizing the oilseed harvesting landscape.
Through the effective adoption of Chinese agricultural technology, Pakistan’s agricultural sector can overcome challenges. It can increase productivity, and contribute to food security and economic development.
The available labor is also not so skilled. When they harvest the crop by primitive means, the overall productivity of the sector gets affected, he added.
“The adoption of Chinese agricultural technology represents a critical opportunity to modernize and transform the oilseed harvesting landscape in the country.
Through effective technology transfer and adoption, the agricultural sector can overcome longstanding challenges, boost productivity, and contribute to the nation’s food security and economic development.”.
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