Pakistan-China Lab Launched on Modern Farming

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) and the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS) have formalized a partnership to establish a Joint Laboratory for Modern Agricultural Science and Technology. This initiative aims to boost collaborative research in high-yield crop breeding, sustainable farming practices, efficient resource management, and agricultural environmental protection.

According to China Economic Net, GAAS President Chang Hong highlighted that Pakistan currently faces agricultural challenges similar to those Gansu province once tackled, including water shortages and a lack of modern agricultural tools. He emphasized that this partnership would serve as a channel to adapt and transfer China’s experience, such as dryland farming techniques, innovative crop cultivation methods, and agricultural mechanization frameworks, into practical, localized solutions for Pakistan.

Under the agreement, both institutions will establish research hubs in Gansu and Bahawalpur, focusing on customizing GAAS’s advanced technologies to suit Pakistan’s local environment and needs.

Key objectives of the collaboration include:

• Introducing grain-legume intercropping and dryland water-saving technologies to boost crop resilience and productivity in arid regions of Pakistan
• Integrating Gansu’s crop breeding expertise with Pakistan’s local germplasm to develop high-yield varieties
• Enhancing technical training and knowledge exchange between Chinese and Pakistani agricultural professionals

Prof. Muhammad Kamran, Vice Chancellor of IUB, expressed optimism about the collaboration. He noted that with agriculture employing around 40% of Pakistan’s workforce, the country urgently needs modernized and research-backed agricultural solutions to ensure food security, climate adaptation, and economic growth.

“This joint laboratory represents a model of scientific cooperation,” he said. “It will foster collaboration between researchers, scientists, and students from both countries—uniting them through innovation, shared expertise, and a commitment to transforming agriculture.”