Pakistani, Chinese firms to upgrade peanut seeds

A Chinese agricultural technology firm and a Pakistani agribusiness company have entered into a partnership to introduce improved peanut seeds and build a local supply chain.

Representatives of Shandong Rainbow Agricultural Technology Co and Pakistan's Uqab Corporation said the collaboration aimed to modernise peanut cultivation, said a press release issued on Saturday. Shandong Rainbow Overseas Project Coordinator Qian Hong told Wealth Pakistan that the company planned to improve peanut seed quality by selecting varieties suited to Pakistan's soil and irrigation conditions, which differ from those in China. She said the firm was considering supplying seeds, investing in farms, cultivating peanuts locally and purchasing the harvest for export to China.

Qian said Shandong Rainbow had already been working with local partners on peanut seed development and had conducted trials over the past two years.

Uqab Corp's Agri Head Dr Atif Majeed said the firm has already signed an MoU with further agreements expected.

Outlining the roadmap, Majeed said the partners planned to develop a complete peanut supply chain in Pakistan, including breeding and research facilities, primary processing plants, cold storage and warehouses.He explained that different peanut varieties were used for specific purposes, particularly roasting, and Shandong Rainbow had developed specially bred seeds designed to reduce rancidity while maintaining crispiness. Those seeds, he said, would be cross-bred with local varieties to enhance adaptability to Pakistani conditions.