Azeem Ahmed Khan

A new China-Pakistan cooperation plan aims to transform Pakistan’s agricultural research network through joint innovation, advanced laboratories, and training programs designed to bridge the country’s technological gap in modern farming.

The plan was jointly prepared by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) following an in-depth evaluation of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), and 11 research institutes under the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR).

Describing Pakistan’s agricultural research system as constrained by outdated infrastructure, inconsistent funding, and limited innovation capacity, the plan proposes a structural overhaul supported by strong international collaboration. It outlines domestic reform measures as well as a broader China-Pakistan Science and Technology Cooperation Framework to drive long-term modernization.

Under this framework, according to an MNFSR document, joint research programs will focus on key crops—wheat, rice, maize, cotton, and horticulture—as well as livestock management and sustainable technologies. Priority areas include climate-resilient crop varieties, water-efficient irrigation systems, pest and disease control, and livestock disease management.

The plan also calls for the establishment of joint laboratories equipped for crop genotyping, phenotyping, and high-tech agricultural applications. These labs will support innovation in food processing, value addition, and farm machinery indigenization, helping Pakistan narrow its technological gap in modern agriculture.

Human resource development forms a central component of the cooperation. The report calls for bilateral exchange programs, including PhD and postdoctoral fellowships, short-term technical training, and senior scientist exchanges. Such initiatives aim to strengthen Pakistan’s research capacity and align it with global scientific standards, the document said.

A new model for technology transfer is also envisioned. Dedicated Technology Transfer Units (TTUs) will manage intellectual property, licensing, and commercialization, while a National Agricultural Technology Transfer Center will coordinate efforts, provide expertise, and connect research outputs with industry partners and investors. A benefit-sharing system, offering 50 to 70 percent of commercialization proceeds to researchers and institutes, is designed to encourage innovation.

The cooperation plan further proposes linking national research to regional demonstration hubs and farmer training centers, ensuring that technologies reach the field with proper support and training. To ensure effective oversight, a high-level implementation committee comprising representatives from MNFSR, PARC, and key stakeholders will monitor progress, set milestones, and ensure accountability.

The report emphasizes that integrating MARA-CAAS recommendations into Pakistan’s broader PARC Revival Plan will lay the foundation for “strong science for resilient agriculture.” It envisions a future where strategic investment, technology collaboration, and institutional reform transform Pakistan’s agricultural research landscape, strengthening its food security in line with international standards.

Credit: INP-WealthPk