Punjab to explore China’s advanced agricultural research, says minister

LAHORE:Visiting delegation of China's BGI Group (Company) led by Dr Wang Jian has discussed options to explore China's advanced agricultural research and development with Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani here at Agriculture House, here on Monday.

The discussions revolved around organic fertilisers, cotton seeds, premium seeds for rice and maize. On this occasion, Ashiq Kirmani stated that Punjab is keen to benefit from China's advanced agricultural research and technology to promote agriculture in the province. He emphasised the province's interest in leveraging China's experience in GMO technology and gene editing to boost cotton production. He highlighted the need for hybrid seeds with new advanced varieties that can withstand pests, diseases, and climate changes, which are crucial for promoting cotton cultivation in the province.

The goct will provide full support for the promotion of organic fertilisers and mutual experience sharing on agricultural lands. He mentioned that to achieve higher per-acre yield and better quality for soybean, maize, and rice, premium seeds cooperation from BGI Group is required. The minister added that both countries have close and friendly relations, and collaboration in establishing modern agricultural research and laboratories is essential.

Chairman of BGI Group, Dr Wang Jian, stated that the BGI Group is committed to developing crop varieties suitable for desert climates through genomics technology to protect crops from drought.

He assured that his company would fully cooperate in the development of Punjab's agricultural sector. A pilot project will be launched in Punjab to increase agricultural production with lower production costs through the use of organic fertilizers.

Additionally, mutual cooperation will provide training to Punjab's scientists on modern agricultural technologies, and laboratories will be made operational. The Chinese delegation included Vice President of BGI Group Dr Li Ning, Vice President for Global Development Terence Xiong, Chief Representative for Southeast Asia Jeremy Cao, Assistant to Chairman Mrs. Dong Yiwei, and Chief Representative for Pakistan Mao Zhixia. On behalf of the Agriculture Department, Consultant Dr Anjum Ali, Director Generals Agriculture Chaudhry Abdul Hameed and Naveed Ismat Kahloon were present.