Gilgit-Baltistan govt, Chinese Gansu province sign MoU to boost crop production for local farmers

Gilgit: The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government and China’s Gansu province have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the transfer of high-mountain agriculture technology and machinery to boost crop production for local farmers, officials said.

Gilgit-Baltistan, is integral to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and serves as Pakistan’s only land link to China.

The MoU was formalized during a visit by a Gilgit-Baltistan government delegation to Gansu province. The collaboration aims to modernize agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly focusing on increasing wheat, maize, potato, and buckwheat production.

Khadim Hussain, a coordinator of the GB Economic Transformation Initiative, emphasized that the partnership’s objective is to enhance agriculture, food security, livestock, and human development in the region.

Given the similarities in geography and weather between Gansu and Gilgit-Baltistan, the transfer of technology is expected to have a significant impact.

The agreement involves Gansu Agriculture and Mechanical Company providing machinery for sowing, harvesting, and silage, along with training local farmers in machine operation. Future collaboration is anticipated, with a focus on research and development in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.

Ghulamullah Saqib, a Deputy Director at the GB agriculture department, expressed optimism about the move, considering the region’s limited arable land and water crisis.

He saw this agreement as a positive development that could potentially address food production challenges in Gilgit-Baltistan, preventing future famine by promoting modern farming practices.