Islamabad, September 8 (INP):
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday to strengthen China-Pakistan cooperation in maize breeding and industrialization, China Economic Net (CEN) reported.
Professor Yuan Guobao, Chairman of the Hubei Technical Market Association, emphasized the critical role of maize in addressing Pakistan’s agricultural challenges, particularly water scarcity. “Developing drought- and infertility-tolerant crops is imperative, and maize, as a global staple, is the perfect choice,” he said.
The MoU was signed by Hubei University Modern Agricultural Innovation Research Institute (China), Hubei D-Gene Seed Incorporated Company (China), Patron Seeds (Pvt) Ltd (Multan), and the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, University of the Punjab. The cooperation will focus on biotechnology breeding, seed production, demonstration and promotion, and the industrial development of maize.
According to official data, Pakistan’s average maize yield over the past five years is around 6.09 tons per hectare, while China’s yield ranges between 8–10 tons per hectare and can reach up to 12–15 tons with high-quality varieties. Yuan noted the significant potential for Pakistan to increase maize production by 30–50% through improved varieties and modern techniques.
Yuan highlighted the potential of saline-alkali lands along Pakistan’s coast, estimated at 10 million hectares, for maize cultivation after proper remediation. Chinese expertise in engineering and biological measures will aid in soil reclamation.
The cooperation plan also includes promoting heat-resistant maize varieties suitable for Pakistan’s high temperatures, verifying local adaptability through actual planting, and cultivating local talent in crop gene-editing technology.
In addition, industrial upgrades were discussed, including deep processing of maize, better straw utilization for livestock, specialized fertilizers for high-quality varieties, and customized agricultural machinery to improve labor efficiency in extreme heat conditions.
