Islamabad 5 August: The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) announced plans to export donkey meat and hides to China, as detailed in a report submitted to the National Assembly in response to a query from MNA Shazia Marri.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize Pakistan’s agriculture sector and enhance its global competitiveness.
The MNFSR revealed that 1,000 agriculture graduates will undergo training in China, focusing on seven advanced agricultural technologies to boost productivity. To further mechanize farming, the ministry has distributed Chinese-made advanced machinery to provincial governments, with a large-scale mechanization project awaiting approval. Amendments to the Plant Quarantine Rules 2019 and Seed Business Rules 1987 are also underway to enable hybrid cotton seed imports, aiming to revive the struggling cotton industry.
To support wheat farmers, the Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system has been introduced in collaboration with provinces, offering improved storage and instant credit up to 70% of stored wheat’s market value. Exports of dried chilies and sesame to China have surged, reflecting growing trade ties. The ministry is promoting a deregulation regime for agri-commodities to attract local and foreign investment, enhancing Pakistan’s position in global markets.
To address declining crop yields, the MNFSR has reformed the Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) system for crops like wheat, cotton, rice, oilseeds, and corn, ensuring transparent approval of high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties. The National Seed Development & Regulatory Authority (NSDRA) launched a Management Information System (MIS) to digitize seed company registration, nursery registration, variety registration, and seed certification, reducing delays and errors.
READ MORE: Chinese Firms Seek Permits to Export Donkey Meat from Pakistan
Additionally, the ministry is facilitating trials of international wheat germplasm to introduce stress-tolerant varieties. The newly established National Agri-Trade & Food Safety Authority (NAFSA) aims to streamline agro-food exports, while NSDRA focuses on ensuring high-quality seed availability to boost productivity.
These initiatives reflect Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing agriculture, enhancing food security, and strengthening economic ties with China, with significant potential to transform the sector and support farmers nationwide.
READ MORE: Raw Food Exports Drop 10% as Rice Shipments Decline
