ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has called upon agricultural scientists and researchers to develop focused and innovative projects under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0), saying agriculture will be a key component of the mega initiative aimed at enhancing productivity and modernising the sector.
Speaking at a vaccine handover ceremony at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Hussain said the livestock sector constitutes 60% of Pakistan’s agricultural economy and remains vital for rural livelihoods and food security.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China donated veterinary vaccines against lumpy skin disease and brucellosis. Hussain expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and its ministry for the donation.
Highlighting the sector’s economic weight, Hussain noted that livestock contributes significantly to agricultural GDP, provides employment to millions of rural households and supplies essential commodities including milk, meat, hides and skins. He warned that lumpy skin disease and brucellosis pose serious threats to animal health, reproduction and milk production, resulting in heavy economic burdens for smallholder farmers.
Under the prime minister’s directives, the government is placing paramount focus on boosting agricultural productivity. The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has been engaged to provide recommendations for modernising research institutions like PARC, with implementation slated to begin within two to three months.
Hussain noted that 1,000 Pakistani students have already returned after acquiring practical knowledge in China and are being integrated into various agricultural sectors. The process to send an additional 1,000 students to China is underway and will be completed by March.
