QINGDAO, Nov 20 (INP): The first batch of 500 tons of Pakistani chilies is scheduled to be harvested by the end of November as part of the Pakistan-China Center project within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Demonstration Zone. “These chilies will be distributed throughout China, including provinces like Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hunan, and Hubei,” said Liu Jing, business manager of the China-Pakistan International Cooperation Hub, one of the project participants. Liu outlined the project’s timeline: “After this harvest season in Pakistan, we will begin breeding and planting seedlings in February, with the next harvest slated for May.

Our goal is to establish a complete industrial chain encompassing planting, harvesting, processing, and export, while also expanding research into chili seeds and advancing mechanical production and deep processing.” Pakistan ranks fourth globally in chili production, thanks to its favorable climate and cost advantages. According to Liu, the Chinese side has played a key role in improving the quality of the chilies through technical guidance on seeds, planting techniques, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

The current project spans a planting area of 200,000 mu (approximately 13,340 hectares), with Chinese experts providing comprehensive technical support.  In addition to traditional varieties like SV7864, the initiative has introduced improved varieties from Shandong, Hainan, and Xinjiang. High-spiciness chilies with Scoville Heat Units (SHU) exceeding 120,000 have already been successfully cultivated in Pakistan.

Modern processing and storage facilities established by Chinese enterprises in Pakistan have significantly boosted the value of local agricultural products.  "This partnership has enhanced both the quality and quantity of chili exports to China," said a Pakistani supplier. “Through joint efforts, we’ve adopted modern agricultural practices, improved seed quality, and streamlined export procedures. 

This cooperation serves as a replicable model, benefiting Pakistani farmers, Chinese buyers, and bilateral trade.” Plans are also underway for a 170-acre China-Pakistan Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park. The park will focus on three core areas: transactions, basic processing, and deep processing.  While traditional processing involves chili powder and sauces, deep processing will include the extraction of edible red pigments, capsaicin for biopharmaceuticals, and special coatings—injecting “pepper energy” into diverse industries.

Under Chinese guidance, Pakistan’s chili industry is gaining prominence in the market. Capsaicin, in particular, has emerged as a sustainable solution, with applications ranging from natural, pollution-free pesticides to pharmaceuticals. “The advantages of Pakistan’s chilies are becoming more evident,” Liu emphasized.  “This project showcases the potential of cross-border agricultural cooperation and highlights the growing synergy between our two nations:" Gwadar Pro reported on Wednesday.

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