Arooj Zulfiqar

Pakistan’s partnership with China in IT and CPEC’s Green Corridor will make its agriculture more productive, efficient, and sustainable, reports WealthPK. Agricultural development is the main component of the second phase of CPEC, which is being transformed into a ‘green corridor’. The major development of the agriculture sector falls under the long-term plan (LTP). The plan focuses on increasing the use of technology, modern machinery and synthetic fertilizers to enhance yields, while food storage and processing zones would be built to significantly reduce post-harvest losses. “The strategic partnership between Pakistan and China in CPEC is on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation in Pakistan’s agricultural sector. The ‘Green Corridor’ initiative represents a significant leap towards modernizing agriculture and ensuring its long-term sustainability,” said Shahzad Amir Naveed, an agriculture sector specialist at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, while talking to WealthPK.

“One of the key aspects of the green development agenda is to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, which is vital for Pakistan’s food security and rural development. The CPEC aims to improve Pakistan’s comprehensive agricultural production capacity by supporting the construction of farmland water conservancy facilities, agricultural products circulation facilities, crop farming, livestock breeding, forestry, food growing, and aquatic and fishery in the regions along the corridor. “The integration of advanced information technology into agriculture is a key facet of this initiative. With the support of Chinese technology, Pakistan can harness data analytics, remote sensing, and automation to optimize crop management. This will lead to more efficient resource utilization, increased yields, and better incomes for farmers. “The introduction of precision agriculture techniques is expected to significantly reduce resource wastage and improve yields, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of countless farmers across Pakistan.

“In a country where water scarcity and soil degradation are pressing issues, this initiative addresses the need for sustainable resource management. Water-efficient irrigation systems, soil health management, and eco-friendly practices will help conserve vital resources and mitigate the environmental impact of farming. This not only benefits Pakistan but also aligns with the global goals for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience,” he said. Concluding, Shahzad said, “Improved connectivity and transportation infrastructure under the Green Corridor project will bridge the rural-urban divide, allowing farmers easier access to urban markets. This development can improve price realization and increase income for rural communities, ultimately reducing income disparities.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk