ISLAMABAD, Sep 2 (APP):Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday 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). Addressing a vaccine handover ceremony, which was held at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), the minister said that the agriculture would be a key component of the mega initiative aimed at …
Scientists urged to formulate agriculture projects for CPEC 2.0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 2 (APP):Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday 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).
Addressing a vaccine handover ceremony, which was held at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), the minister said that the agriculture would be a key component of the mega initiative aimed at enhancing productivity, modernizing the sector and strengthening Pakistan’s economy.
Rana Tanveer Hussain lauded the enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and China and emphasized that the livestock sector constitutes 60 percent of the country’s agricultural economy and remains vital for rural livelihoods and food security.
The minister said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China donated veterinary vaccines against Lumpy Skin disease and Brucellosis. He expressed profound gratitude to the Chinese government, its ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.
Highlighting the critical economic weight of the sector, Rana Tanveer 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 dangerous diseases like lumpy skin disease and Brucella melitensis pose serious threats to animal health, reproduction and milk production, resulting in heavy economic burdens for smallholder farmers.
Under the directives of Prime Minister, the government was placing a paramount focus on boosting agricultural productivity, he said adding that as part of these reforms, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has been engaged to provide recommendations for modernizing premier research institutions like the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), with implementation slated to begin over the next two to three months.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging China’s advanced expertise in agricultural science, technology and disease control, the minister noted that 1,000 Pakistani students have already returned after acquiring practical knowledge in China and are being integrated into various agricultural sectors. He announced that the process to send an additional 1,000 students to China is already underway and will be completed by March.
Turning to bilateral frameworks, Rana Tanveer stressed that agriculture forms a major component of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0). He urged PARC scientists and researchers to formulate targeted projects to maximize developmental benefits from CPEC 2.0.
Rana Tanveer Hussain assured that the donated vaccines will be administered efficiently under strict regulatory guidelines, proper cold-chain management and effective monitoring. He commended the collaborative efforts of Pakistani and Chinese officials, scientists and veterinary teams in making the NARC field demonstrations and vaccine rollout a success.
