ISLAMABAD: A group of 300 agricultural graduates from Pakistan has embarked on a transformative journey to China for an intensive three-month training program focused on advanced agriculture and livestock technologies. This marks the first batch under the Prime Minister’s Initiative for Capacity Building of 1000 Agricultural Graduates in China, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to enhance Pakistan’s agricultural capabilities.
The selected graduates will receive training at some of China’s top institutions, including the North West Agriculture & Forestry University and Yangling Vocational and Technical College, both of which are renowned for their expertise in agriculture, food technology, and veterinary sciences. These institutions will provide exposure to the latest advancements in agricultural practices, farm mechanization, and livestock management.
Speaking at the departure ceremony held at Islamabad International Airport, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal, congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of the agriculture sector as the backbone of Pakistan’s development. He emphasized that the country, as one of the top 10 agricultural producers globally, holds immense potential for growth, and the training these graduates will receive is crucial to realizing that potential.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal encouraged the students to embrace this opportunity as a responsibility, advising them to learn the best practices from China’s agricultural success, which has lifted millions out of poverty through political stability and consistent policies. He urged the graduates to return with new skills and knowledge to contribute to the growth of Pakistan’s agricultural sector, with a vision of transforming the country into a net exporter of agricultural products.
The initiative, which was conceived by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to the Yangling Agricultural Technology Demonstration Base in Shaanxi province, China, offers a short-term training course designed to introduce Pakistani graduates to the evolution of Chinese agriculture. The course includes field visits, practical workshops, and classroom sessions at Chinese farms, labs, and private/public sector companies.
In line with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research’s goals, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) ensured a rigorous selection process, focusing on providing opportunities to graduates from marginalized and remote areas, including Balochistan.
As the graduates look forward to learning from some of the most qualified agricultural experts in China, they expressed their gratitude for the government’s investment in their capacity building, acknowledging that such opportunities would otherwise be out of reach due to the high costs of foreign training programs.
These young agriculturalists are eager to apply their international exposure and acquired knowledge to address the challenges Pakistan faces in agriculture, food security, and sustainable farming. Upon their return, they are expected to bring back valuable skills to drive agricultural innovation in Pakistan.
