PES-2023-24: CPEC transforming Pakistan’s agriculture sector

ISLAMABAD, June 12 (Gwadar Pro) - The Agriculture Sector in Pakistan has registered unprecedented growth in the outgoing fiscal year, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) 2023-24 unveiled on Tuesday by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The Minister hailed agriculture as the “saviour” of the economy, attributing the growth to bumper crops.

“Agriculture is going to remain a huge lever of growth as we go forward,” said Mr. Aurangzeb during the presentation of the survey. He emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing policies that support sustained agricultural growth.

The survey highlights the significant role of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the agriculture sector and its potential to further boost Pakistan’s agricultural growth in the future.

Under the agriculture cooperation between China and Pakistan, a comprehensive National Action Plan for Agriculture Modernization has been developed, as per the survey which reads further that this plan is crucial for advancing agricultural practices and enhancing productivity in the sector.

As per the survey, areas under cooperation include capacity building, germplasm resources, agricultural product processing, agrarian technology extension, fishery science, and technology.

While detailing further it stated that aquaculture, aquatic product processing, establishment of FMD free zones in Pakistan, market information & agricultural trade, and cooperation for agricultural development have been agreed between the two sides.

Numerous protocols have been signed to enhance Pakistan's agricultural exports to China.

The survey further reads that protocol for the export of dried chili was signed in July 2023, and protocols for the export of dairy products, hides of donkey, and heated beef were signed in October 2023. Consensus has also been reached to transfer the Chinese Juncao (literally means "fungi and grass") technology to Pakistan for the breeding of Juncao and Juncao mushroom varieties, production and processing of Juncao forage and promotion of livestock feeding, processing and promotion of Juncao organic fertilizer, soil & water conservation demonstration and capacity building of researchers & farmers.

As per the report, both sides encourage and promote G2G and B2B cooperation under CPEC to create employment opportunities and promote the export of agricultural products. Chinese and Pakistani research organizations and enterprises have joined hands in animal husbandry, crop cultivation, and product processing.

Some initiatives are currently under development that include Corporate Agriculture Farming; Establishment of the Center for Sustainable Control of Plant Pest and Diseases; Juncao Technology Demonstration and Extension Project; Development of FMD Free Zones and local production of FMD vaccines; Mechanization harvesting and post-harvesting processes and Pak-China Modern Agricultural Science & Technology Transferring Center.