According to a Pakistani Professor the countries should strengthen China-Pakistan Flaxseed cooperation while addressing a seminar in China.
According to Zhao Wei, a researcher at the Crop Research Institute of Gansu Academy of Agricultural Science (GAAS), Pakistan’s average flaxseed production is quite low, at just 692 kg per hectare. Therefore, it is crucial to develop flax varieties that are well-suited to Pakistan’s climate and soil conditions as soon as possible.
Prof. Dr. A. W. Gandahi, Chairman of the Department of Soil Science at Sindh Agriculture University, emphasized at a seminar on July 24 that empowering flaxseed farmers with agro-technology is just the beginning. He believes that their collaborative project can significantly boost economic development by creating jobs, enhancing trade, and improving the efficiency of the flaxseed value chain.
Pakistan is making efforts to increase oilseed production, with the introduction of its first comprehensive National Oilseed Policy. This policy aims to boost edible oil production, reduce import dependence, and enhance the profitability of oilseed farmers.
Prof. Gandahi noted that Punjab and Sindh are the primary regions for flaxseed cultivation in Pakistan, accounting for 47% and 53% of the growing area, respectively. However, the total area under flaxseed has remained constant at 9000-9500 hectares for the past fifteen years. He stressed the need to expand both the area and yield of this crucial cash crop.
Flaxseed farmers in Pakistan face several challenges, including low prices, irrigation water shortages, poor-quality seeds, and the impacts of climate change, according to CEN.
To tackle these issues, a unified effort from the government, research institutions, and the private sector is essential to provide technical support, better seed varieties, and farmer training. Prof. Gandahi highlighted the importance of agricultural collaboration between Pakistan and China.
During the seminar, Prof. Gandahi also pointed out that China, a leading producer of agro-products with advanced cultivation technologies, could help Pakistani farmers by sharing its expertise in seed development, irrigation, and mechanization. As the world’s largest consumer, China could also offer more export opportunities to Pakistani growers, improving their income and enhancing the flaxseed value chain in Pakistan.
The seminar also featured the launch of the China-Pakistan flax research and innovation hub. The new Longya series of flax varieties developed by GAAS are specifically selected for the dry, low-rainfall conditions of Northwest China. In tests, these varieties have shown yields that are generally over 10% higher than local varieties, with better resistance to diseases and pests.
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