Recent MoU under CPEC to boost dried chillies export to China: PHHSA chief

Islamabad:Chairman of the Pakistan Hi-Tech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA), Shahzad Ali Malik, has said that the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the “protocol of phytosanitary” under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will lead to increased dried chillies export to China.

Talkings to a delegation of progressive farmers from South Punjab and interior Sindh led by Pir Noor Hussain Shah, he mentioned that cultivating hybrid chillies can play a significant role in ensuring food security, as it provides a steady supply for domestic consumption and potential export.

“This cultivation can also enhance farmers’ income, promote rural development, and strengthen the agricultural sector. Hybrid chillies are valued for their consistent quality, size, and taste, making them well-suited for both domestic and international markets, particularly in China,” he maintained.

Shahzad Ali Malik, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guard Agricultural Research and Services, emphasized that cultivating hybrid varieties in Pakistan is a strategic approach to improve agricultural productivity, support farmers’ livelihoods, and meet market demands.

Hybrid seeds offer uniformity in plant size, fruit shape, and color, making harvesting and marketing more efficient, he added.