Around 300 Pakistani graduates complete advance agriculture training in China under landmark initiative
Pakistan decided to send nearly 1,000 graduates to China to train in methods and techniques to enhance Pakistani agricultural production following Sharif's visit to the Chinese agricultural, industrial and educational hub of Xi'an, Shaanxi in June last year.
In a post on X, Sharif thanked the Chinese leadership, the Shaanxi government and the universities that imparted hands-on training to Pakistani graduates as well as appreciated the Pakistani national food security ministry, higher education commission and the Pakistani embassy for their hard work.
'Very heartening to know that the first batch of around 300 Pakistani agriculture graduates have successfully completed their hands-on practical training in Shaanxi Province, China, in important areas of water saving irrigation, seed production, animal husbandry, agriculture production and prevention of post-harvest losses,' he said.
The agriculture sector contributes nearly a quarter of Pakistan's gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 37 percent of the national labor force, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization.
However, a fast-growing population, climate change and poor resource management have greatly impacted Pakistan's crops in recent years, prompting officials to ponder alternative ways to enhance production.
Experts say building water reservoirs, restoring wetlands and promoting drought-tolerant crop varieties is vital to mitigating recurring and intensifying drought risks in the country.
'Rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and the adoption of modern irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems are no longer optional,' Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, a spokesperson for Pakistani climate change ministry, said in Jan. this year.
'They are critical tools in our survival weaponry.'
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