Islamabad, May 8 (INP): Amid blossoming Pak-China agricultural cooperation, the 1st “2024 Sesame Contract Farming Project” has formally been rolled out by China Machinery Engineering Cooperation (CMEC) group. The project came into force after it was signed between CMEC Group and local farmer “Joiya Zarai farm Tandlianwala” in collaboration with Northwest A & F University China, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab government, Oilseeds Research Institute Faisalabad and Trade Development Authority Pakistan (TDAP)  Gwadar Pro reported on Wednesday. In a seminar, CMEC Pakistan Vice General Manager Dai Bao said that since China and Pakistan have been forging ahead in agriculture synergic collaborations, the project will be impetus to opening up brand-new chapter of Pak-China agri-based commercialization to optimize sesame export potential. 

In the backdrop of operationalization of many CMEC-run model sesame farms since 2020 that helped Pakistan spur  sesame export to China of $400 million, it is highly likely that the sesame export to China will be $1 billion in the coming time, he added. CMEC Senior Commercial Manager Alan Xi said that with the efforts of CMEC, Pakistan has become the 5th largest country in sesame production in the world.  Discussing benefits of Pak-China Sesame Contract Farming, he divulged that it is causing technology transfer with adoption of advanced agricultural practices, improving quality standards of sesame, and increasing income generation for farmers.  “CMEC contract farming also makes sure of traceability systems formation, infrastructure development (irrigation system & processing facilities), and skill development and capacity -building programs for farmers to strengthen trade & diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, promote sustainable agriculture practices and contribute to poverty reduction and rural development,” he added.  

Besides cultivating sesame seeds, he underlined the need to concentrate on its value-added productions like bakery & confectionary, oil extraction, sesame meal, cosmetics, medicine, fuel, fertilizer, cement, pesticides, etc. Being a part of corporate farming, contract farming in Pakistan has picked up some momentum as an instrument to link farmers with agribusinesses or companies, especially in sectors like cotton, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. This arrangement has been seen as a way to enhance agricultural productivity, improve quality standards, and provide market access to smallholder farmers.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China