LoI on China-Pakistan agricultural S&T collaboration signed

SHANGHAI:

The Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS) and the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on China-Pakistan agricultural science and technology collaboration. This milestone agreement signifies a new era of agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

The LoI outlines the intention of both institutions to collaborate on joint teaching, training, research, and other mutually agreed activities. The goal is to strengthen the program and foster a closer relationship between SAAS and UAF.

Areas of collaboration specified in the LoI include post-harvest treatment of agricultural products, integrated pest management in crops such as rice, corn, and nut fruits, understanding the molecular mechanisms of pests and their interaction with agricultural products, utilization of agricultural resources, germplasm evaluation, deployment of specialty maize hybrids, and more.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by SAAS President Professor Cai Youming and UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.

Prof Khan expressed his enthusiasm for learning from China’s expertise in post-harvest processing, biological breeding, product innovation, technical services, and knowledge transfer.

The aim is to leverage each other’s strengths and establish a robust mechanism for exchange and cooperation.

This collaboration holds great promise for the agricultural sectors of both countries. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources, China and Pakistan can work together to address common challenges and drive innovation in the field of agriculture. The LoI signing marks a significant step towards deepening bilateral ties and unlocking new opportunities for growth and development in the agricultural sector.