Agriculture as the Backbone of the Economy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed that agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, stressing the need for modern, technology-driven investment to revive the sector and boost exports.
Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, the premier bid farewell to the second batch of 300 students departing for China on August 24 under the Pakistan-China youth development program.
China-Pakistan Cooperation in Agriculture
The initiative, launched, aims to equip Pakistani youth with advanced knowledge in crop production, livestock management, cotton cultivation, irrigation efficiency, and post-harvest loss reduction.
The first group of 300 students recently returned after completing specialised training in China’s Shaanxi province. The program’s first phase targets 1,000 students in total, selected through a transparent and merit-based process with a 10% quota reserved for Balochistan.
Support for Young Farmers
The government plans to provide interest-free loans and subsidies to returning graduates, encouraging them to establish modern farming ventures, particularly in rural areas. The Prime Minister emphasised that these students will serve as ambassadors of change, helping Pakistan adopt global best practices in agriculture.
He noted Pakistan’s cotton production, once at 14 million bales but now reduced to just 4 million, must be revived. Livestock, too, offers untapped growth opportunities.
Chinese Commitment and Assistance
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to Pakistan’s agricultural progress, highlighting that the program reflects President Xi Jinping’s vision of youth development. During the event, he also handed over a cheque for flood relief assistance, which the Prime Minister warmly acknowledged.
Shehbaz praised Pakistan’s recent economic progress, including a 3.5% GDP growth and higher foreign exchange reserves, crediting skilled labour and youth training as key drivers of development.
Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the program, was honoured with a memento alongside the Chinese envoy.
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