On August 11, a delegation from the Silk Road Biohealth Agriculture Industry Alliance of Northwest A&F University (NWAFU) visited the Biohealth Sesame Order Demonstration Farm in Sahiwal, Punjab. The facility operates under the China-Pakistan Biohealth Agriculture (BHA) Overseas Technology Demonstration Park, jointly developed by China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), NWAFU, and Pakistan’s Ayub Agricultural Research Institute.
The initiative has introduced high-quality Chinese sesame varieties and modern cultivation techniques to Pakistan. According to project leader Professor Zhang Lixin, experimental trials have identified varieties well-suited to local conditions and established technical standards for bio-healthy sesame production. Pakistani researchers trained at NWAFU, including Dr Ammar, now serve as key technical experts on the project.
Currently, the project operates 12 standardised farms across 500 acres, partnering with more than 120 farmers through a contract farming model. Last year’s first harvest under the programme exported around 3,500 tonnes of sesame to China. By 2025, exports are projected to reach 5,000 tonnes, creating over 500 permanent local jobs. Long-term plans aim to expand cultivation to 50,000 acres, producing approximately 23,000 tonnes—over 5% of Pakistan’s total sesame area.
Pakistan produces between 350,000 and 450,000 tonnes of sesame annually, although extreme weather can cause significant fluctuations. Heavy rains last year cut output to about 310,000 tonnes. Zhang said wider adoption of advanced farming practices could push yields above 500,000 tonnes in favourable seasons.
Trials of 10 new Chinese sesame varieties showed promising results, with four producing more than 130 kilograms per mu (0.165 acres) and one reaching 230 kilograms. However, large-scale testing is needed to validate these findings. Yield levels depend heavily on rainfall, sunlight, and fertilisation, making seasonal adaptability and climate-resilient farming essential.
Future plans for the project include farmer training, online seminars, and field visits to promote advanced techniques such as flood-resistant varieties, special fertilisers, biopesticides, drone spraying, mechanised harvesting, and smart farm management. Professor Zhang emphasised that the enterprise-university-farm model will continue to drive the growth of biohealth agriculture in Pakistan.
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