Modern technology, good seeds, better water utilisation vital for agricultural productivity: President

With better technology and good seeds, the productivity of various agricultural commodities can increase

President Dr. Arif Alvi on Wednesday said the use of modern technology, as well as good seeds on the pattern of China and better utilisation of water, were vital for enhancing agricultural productivity in Pakistan.

“Keeping in view the requirements of the agricultural sector there is a need for promotion of better utilisation of water for cultivation,” he said while speaking at the inaugural session of Pakistan-China Agricultural Forum here.

The President stressed for change in present utilisation of water for cultivation so that the required water could be available for crops through better management, adding fixing water prices were also need of the hour.

The President said with the use of better technology and by using good seeds, the productivity of various agricultural commodities including cotton could be increased.

The President also highlighted the importance and need for increasing the capacity of human resources and said Pakistan could benefit from the experience of China in this sector.

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He said Pakistan would also have to use modern technology for cultivation and storage of agricultural crops, adding the country would have to take benefit from China’s experience in increasing crops’ production and its storage.

He said there was a great worldwide demand for Pakistan’s basmati rice and mangoes, which had international repute, adding, besides increasing agricultural production, there was also a need of promoting value addition in this sector.

The President said Prime Minister Imran Khan was keen to take benefit from China cooperation in various fields including agriculture.

He said Pakistan and China's friendship were time-tested friends and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)  project would play a pivotal role in the progress and development of Pakistan.

The President while appreciating organisers of the forum said both Pakistan and China could take benefit from each other’s experiences through such forums.

Technology a must for boosting yield 

He said Pakistan could take benefit from China’s experience and expertise in the agriculture field.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between Pakistan and China.

Minister for National Food Security  Sahibzada Muhammad Mahboob Sultan, Chairman Kashmir Committee Sayed Fakhar Imam, Ambassador of China  Yao Jing, federal secretary Muhammad Hashim Popalzai, Chairman China Machinery and Engineering Corporation Jing Jin also spoke on the occasion.