Water scarcity is one of the biggest challenges for Pakistan’s agriculture sector today. The question many experts are asking is how to adjust to these local conditions and transform this serious limitation into an opportunity for growth. Professor Yuan Guobao, Chairman of the Hubei Technical Market Association, explained that developing crops that can survive drought and poor soil conditions is the need of the hour. He highlighted maize as the best option, since it is a staple crop grown and consumed all over the world.
He made these remarks after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between China and Pakistan on September 5. The agreement is focused on cooperation in maize breeding and the industrial development of maize in Pakistan.
The MoU was signed by Hubei University Modern Agricultural Innovation Research Institute and Hubei D-Gene Seed Incorporated Company from China, along with Patron Seeds (Pvt) Ltd, Multan, and the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics at the University of the Punjab.
Under this agreement, the partners will work together on several key areas: advanced biotechnology for breeding better maize seeds, large-scale seed production and processing, field demonstrations and awareness campaigns for farmers, and the overall industrial promotion of maize.
This collaboration is expected to bring modern agricultural practices, research-based innovation, and sustainable crop solutions to Pakistan, helping farmers deal with the challenges of water shortage while also boosting the country’s food security and economy.
