Pakistan to send 1,000 agricultural professionals to China for short-term training

Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, declared that Pakistan is prepared to send 1,000 agricultural professionals to China specifically for agricultural training purposes, complying with the guidelines of PM Shehbaz Sharif. The decision emerged during a meeting held in Islamabad which was chaired by Ahsan Iqbal as well as joined by National Food Security and Research Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain. Approximately, $11 million allocation for the training program was finalized in the meeting. 

Iqbal emphasized that the objective is to establish a “green revolution” in Pakistan by equipping agricultural professionals with advanced knowledge, skills, and technologies from China. By learning China’s successful farming techniques, Pakistan’s agricultural experts can be expected to increase yield and productivity back home. 

Iqbal showcased concern about Pakistan’s dependence on imported agricultural goods, which currently cost around $10 billion annually. He attributed this to low per-acre yield, outdated farming methods, and a lack of innovation. The initiative intends to overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of the agriculture sector. 

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Key Impacts of the Initiative 

• Firstly, sending 1000 farming experts to China for training is anticipated to massively improve agriculture productivity in Pakistan. The experts will be capable of learning advanced cultivation techniques, efficient water management practices, and modern farming equipment usage. After their return, they can disseminate this expert knowledge to local farmers, which will lead to higher crop yields and more efficient land use.  

• Secondly, with the execution of modern agricultural practices, Pakistan will be capable of minimizing its dependence on imported agricultural products. If the training outcomes in higher domestic yields, it is expected to enable Pakistan to produce more of the essential food crops, which will reduce the annual $10 billion agriculture import bill.  

• Thirdly, China has made massive strides in agriculture technology, from drone applications in farming to the most precision agriculture techniques, which improve productivity and minimize waste. Training Pakistan experts in these technologies is expected to result in the adoption of similar practices in Pakistan, which will lead to improved efficiency in resource utilization, increased profit margins for farmers, and reduced input costs.  

• Fourthly, the term green revolution refers to the period of technological innovation in agriculture that highly increases food production. This initiative can spark such a revolution in Pakistan. By lacing farming experts with cutting-edge technology and practices, Pakistan will be capable of enhancing its agricultural output, granting food security, and stimulating rural development.  

• Fifthly, the training program will massively build the capacity of the agricultural sector of Pakistan. These thousand experts upon their arrival with improved skills, which they can transfer to other farmers through training sessions, extension services, and workshops. As well as this knowledge is expected to create a ripple effect, uplifting the whole agricultural workforce.