Pakistanis, Chinese firms sign MoU to upgrade peanut seeds, build local supply chain

ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 (APP): A Chinese agricultural technology firm and a Pakistani agribusiness company have entered into a collaboration to introduce improved peanut seeds and build a local supply chain, reflecting growing cross-border farm investment amid expanding Pakistan–China business engagement.
Representatives of Shandong Rainbow Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd and Pakistan’s Uqab Corporation (Pvt) Ltd said the partnership aims to modernize peanut cultivation and support long-term agricultural development in Pakistan, said a press release on Saturday.
Qian Hong, Overseas Project Coordinator at Shandong Rainbow Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd, told Wealth Pakistan that the company plans to improve peanut seed quality by selecting varieties suited to Pakistan’s soil and irrigation conditions, which differ from those in China. She said the firm is considering supplying seeds, investing in farms, cultivating peanuts locally, and purchasing the harvest for export to China.
Qian said Shandong Rainbow has already been working with local partners on peanut seed development and has conducted trials over the past two years. She also praised the hospitality and environment in Islamabad, saying she was impressed by her visit.
Dr. Atif Majeed, Head of Agri Business at Uqab Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, told Wealth Pakistan that his company has formally partnered with Shandong Rainbow Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd and believes the collaboration will bring tangible benefits to Pakistan’s agriculture sector. A memorandum of understanding has already been signed, he added, with further agreements expected in the near term.
Outlining the roadmap, Dr. Atif said the partners plan to develop a complete peanut supply chain in Pakistan, including breeding and research facilities, primary processing plants, cold storage, and warehouses. He explained that different peanut varieties are used for specific purposes, particularly roasting and that Shandong Rainbow has developed specially bred seeds designed to reduce rancidity while maintaining crispiness. These seeds, he said, will be cross-bred with local varieties to enhance adaptability to Pakistani conditions.
Dr. Atif said the collaboration aims to strengthen local capacity, improve seed quality, and support wider adoption by farmers as the project moves from agreements to implementation on the ground.