By Zhong Qun, Luo Jiang, and Misbah Saba Malik
HAIKOU, China/ISLAMABAD (By Xinhua News) – Pakistani scientists are making groundbreaking strides in agricultural research by collaborating with Chinese experts, leveraging advanced techniques to enhance crop resilience and boost productivity.
Pioneering Research in Rice Breeding
In the rain-soaked fields of Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, located in south China’s Hainan Province, Pakistani postdoctoral researcher Qamar U Zaman navigates through the muddy terrain, meticulously inspecting rice plants. As a researcher at the Yazhouwan National Laboratory, Qamar has been working on rice breeding since arriving in China in 2017, with a strong focus on combating rice blast disease (RBD)—a major threat to Pakistan’s rice production.
“Pakistan is still behind in adopting modern techniques to counter RBD effectively,” Qamar told Xinhua. Determined to bridge this gap, he aims to implement advanced molecular approaches that enhance rice blast tolerance, reducing reliance on chemical treatments and promoting sustainable rice farming.
With rice being a key contributor to Pakistan’s economy and food security, China’s leadership in hybrid rice research made it an ideal destination for Qamar’s studies. “China’s commitment to science and technology, coupled with the resources at Yazhouwan National Lab, has enabled me to achieve my research objectives,” he added.
Expanding Agricultural Cooperation
As Sino-Pakistani agricultural collaboration deepens, more Pakistani researchers are benefiting from China’s expertise. Faisal Mehdi, a researcher at the Sugarcane Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences in Sanya, is working on sugarcane breeding alongside Chinese colleagues. “Our joint projects integrate molecular breeding, plant pathology, and bioinformatics, driving innovation in the field,” Faisal said.
Ahmad Ali, another Pakistani researcher, lauded China’s advanced research infrastructure. “China offers world-class laboratory facilities and expert faculty, making it an invaluable hub for agricultural scientists,” he emphasized.
At the Sugarcane Research Center, five Pakistani postdoctoral researchers actively contribute to different research groups. According to Que Youxiong, the center’s director, the institution has forged strong partnerships with multiple Pakistani universities and research organizations. “We plan to strengthen our cooperation in germplasm resource exchange and joint R&D initiatives,” he said.
Transforming Pakistan’s Agriculture
Beyond research labs, Sino-Pakistani agricultural collaboration is driving tangible progress on the ground. In Punjab, Pakistan, fields of oilseed rape flourish at a farm managed by Wuhan Qingfa-Hesheng Seed Co., Ltd. Zhou Xusheng, the company’s international business manager, supervises local employees while providing technical expertise.
With two decades of investment in Pakistan, the company has established a research station and developed high-temperature-resistant rice varieties, addressing challenges like low seed-setting rates. Looking ahead, Zhou envisions expanding rape cultivation to 400,000 hectares, aiming for an annual production of 1 million tons of high-quality edible oil, which would fulfill nearly one-third of Pakistan’s total demand.
Future Prospects and Mutual Growth
Faisal Mehdi sees immense potential in furthering Sino-Pakistani agricultural collaboration. “Joint training programs and technology transfer could significantly strengthen the expertise of Pakistani researchers and farmers,” he noted.
By leveraging their strengths, China and Pakistan are poised to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and food security, ensuring a prosperous future for both nations.
