Cooperation with Beijing urged in flaxseed cultivation

Area under oilseed crop has remained static for 15 years as farmers face barriers

LANZHOU:

“Empowering flaxseed farmers through agro-technology is just our beginning. Our collaboration project could contribute to the economic development of both sides by creating job opportunities, increasing trade and improving the overall efficiency of the flaxseed value chain,” Professor Dr AW Gandahi, Chairman Department of Soil Science at Sindh Agriculture University, noted at a flaxseed collaboration seminar held on July 24.

Pakistan is striving hard to increase oilseed production. The first-ever comprehensive National Oilseed Policy has been proposed to enhance the production of edible oil and reduce dependence on imports, as well as improve the profitability of oilseed growers.

By now, Punjab and Sindh are the major flaxseed growing provinces in Pakistan, accounting for 47% and 53% of the area respectively. However, “the area under flaxseed has remained static (9,000-9,500 hectares) for the past 15 years,” Gandahi mentioned; “it is clearly imperative to increase the area and yield of such an important cash crop.”

Flaxseed farmers are troubled by a series of barriers, including low prices, irrigation water shortages, lack of quality seed and the archenemy – climate change.

“Overall, addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, research institutions and the private sector to provide technical support, improved seed varieties and training to farmers. Obviously, agriculture cooperation between Pakistan and China should never be ignored,” Gandahi pointed out.

Addressing the seminar, the professor emphasised that China, as a major producer of agro-products and a provider of advanced technologies for cultivation, such as seed development, irrigation and mechanisation, could share with Pakistani farmers such advanced technologies.

Besides, being the world’s largest consumer, China could share more opportunities, by which Pakistani growers can increase their exports, thereby improving income and contributing to the growth of value chain.

“Beyond all questions, collaboration between the Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam and Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS) could facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills between Pakistani and Chinese farmers, researchers and experts. Through joint R&D (research and development), the challenges faced by flaxseed farmers in both countries will be solved gradually.”

The unveiling ceremony of the China-Pakistan flax research and innovation hub was also held the same day.

“Average production of flaxseed in Pakistan is as low as 692 kg per hectare, thus it is of great importance to select and cultivate flax varieties suitable for the country’s climate and soil conditions as early as possible,” Zhao Wei, Researcher at the Crop Research Institute of GAAS, told China Economic Net (CEN).

The CEN learnt that the new flax varieties of GAAS, the Longya series, are all selected according to the dry climatic conditions with little rainfall in northwest China.

In the planting experiments, the yield is generally more than 10% higher than that of the local varieties, and the resistance to diseases and insect pests is more satisfactory. Up to now, Longya No 11, No 14 and No 15 have been planted in Pakistan.
This article originally appeared on China Economic Net