ISLAMABAD: In a landmark initiative to transform Pakistan’s agriculture sector, 100 young agricultural professionals departed for China on Sunday to participate in a specialised training program at China Southwest University of Science and Technology.
This program is part of the Prime Minister’s Special Capacity-Building Program, which aims to train 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates in leading Chinese institutions to adopt modern, climate-smart, and technology-driven farming practices.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) organized a special pre-departure event to bid farewell to the departing cohort. In his keynote address, Secretary of MNFSR Amir Muhyuddin expressed appreciation for the trainees’ enthusiasm and potential. “You are the ambassadors of Pakistan’s agricultural future,” he said.
“This is not just a learning journey—it is a transformational opportunity.” He also emphasized that the initiative reflects the Prime Minister’s vision to strengthen Pakistan’s agriculture sector through technology adoption and international exposure.
The Secretary encouraged the graduates to fully utilize the training to enhance Pakistan’s agricultural landscape upon their return. The event also featured briefings from Additional Secretary Alam Zaib, Deputy Secretary Shafqat Abbas, and other senior officials, who discussed the training schedule, modules, and expected outcomes.
This initiative is aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision to modernize Pakistan’s agriculture, ensure food security, and promote rural prosperity.
The program was launched after the Prime Minister’s visit to Yangling Agricultural Technology Demonstration Base in Shaanxi in June 2024. It will proceed in three batches, with the first batch of 300 graduates already having completed their training at a Shaanxi-based institution.
The MNFSR worked alongside HEC, MOFA, MoIT, NITB, and Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing to implement the program, with a special focus on inclusivity, including a 10% quota for Balochistan. The initiative also features a digital portal for registration, communication, and reporting, designed by NITB.
This capacity-building initiative represents a significant investment in human capital, which is expected to bring long-term benefits by enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and global competitiveness.
The program aims to equip graduates with advanced technical knowledge, innovative ideas, and practical skills to modernize Pakistan’s agricultural practices and boost exports.
