Pakistan and China must further strengthen cooperation in agriculture sector: Zhao Shiren

Islamabad: Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren has said that Pakistan and China must further strengthen cooperation in the agriculture sector.

Speaking to Chairman Pakistan Hi Tech Hybrid Seed Association Shahzad Ali Malik here during his visit of Guard Agricultural Research and Services, the senior diplomat stressed the need to enter into more Joint ventures for research on modern scientific lines to boost yield per acre in Pakistan.

“China will continue its support and cooperation in conducting modern joint research for evolving the best quality more new varieties of high yield hybrid rice seed for bumper crop,” he added.

Zhao Shiren maintained that Pakistan must take advantage of agricultural achievements made by Chinese private sector and said there is vast scope of investment in agricultural sector.

He mentioned that China was proud that Guard Agricultural Research and Services evolved first ever hibrid rice seed with the collaboration and joint ventures of Chinese counterpart Longping Hi Tech Industry.

Speaking on the occasion Shahzad Ali Malik said Guard Agricultural Research and Services is the pioneer in introducing hybrid coarse rice seed in Pakistan that developed a new ‘Extra long grain super hybrid rice’ heat tolerant seed with double per acre yield and length after cooking as compared to competitor existing varieties.

He underlined that Guard Agricultural Research was working to bring such seeds to market which can ensure prosperity for the growers and food security for the country’s ever-increasing population.

He highlighted that Guard Agricultural Research partnered with their Chinese counterparts in 1998 and since then they are putting in efforts to bring high-yielding varieties and have tolerance against climate change as well.