BEIJING: To promote China-Pakistan industry-university-research strategic cooperation on modern agriculture, a Document of Understanding (DoU) was signed between National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan (NUST); Weifang Engineering Vocational College; Qingzhou Municipal Government; and Weifang National Comprehensive Pilot Agriculture Zone at Weifang, China as the four sides agreed to work together under the framework of CPEC.
The Chinese institute includes Qingzhou Municipal Government, Weifang Engineering Vocational College, and Weifang National Comprehensive Pilot Agriculture Zone in Weifang, China.
CPEC framework
The four sides agreed to work together to promote bilateral agricultural technology cooperation under the framework of CPEC, focusing on the deep processing of agricultural products, constructing the complete agricultural industry chain system, and related industrialization development reported CEN.
“Agriculture in the South Asian Region is combating low returns to farmers, low productivity, supply shortfalls, lack of trained professionals, lack of advanced technology, and thus threatening our food security,” Pro-Rector Academics of NUST Dr. Osman Hassan noted in his speech.
He said, “These problems are closely related to people’s well-being and livelihood, particularly in our country Pakistan, as it is an agro-economic country with huge potential for crop production and research in agricultural sciences.”
Dr. Osman Hassan said that currently, the NUST is actively conducting research, including multispectral sensing of crop fields, precision agriculture, agricultural 3D printing and scanning applications, plant disease management, and early detection of pathogens.
He added, “Nevertheless, research on sustainable agricultural resource management systems remains a major challenge. I believe today’s agreements will be indispensable in meeting these gaps.”
Dr. Hussain Ahmad Janjua, Principal of the Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), a different conferee, emphasized his point of view with concrete examples “One crucial area for both nations to address food security is food processing and preservation.
Modern food storage techniques and infrastructure must be used in Pakistan to extend the shelf life of perishables like fruits and vegetables. Modern Chinese technology will promote research and development in this crucial sector.”
Dr. Hussain Ahmad Janjua noted they intend to develop research partnerships with Chinese agricultural universities like Nanjing Agriculture University and research organizations like the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “Three Memoranda of Understanding have already been inked with academic and government institutions in China.”
“We need to set up joint labs to work on cooperative projects in agri-sciences, which may include characterizing the molecular and physiological features of crops and plants in terms of biotic and abiotic stressors, to support the initiatives mentioned earlier. Moreover, efforts to create bio-based insecticides and fertilizers are required.” — APP
