Punjab to Benefit from China-Pakistan Smart Farming Partnership
China and Pakistan have taken steps to deepen cooperation in agricultural technology and livestock development, following a high-level meeting in Lahore between provincial officials and China’s newly appointed consul general.
During the meeting, Sun Yan met with Punjab’s Agriculture and Livestock Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani to discuss opportunities for technology transfer and the promotion of “smart farming” practices. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening food security and improving agricultural productivity across the province.
Kirmani highlighted the provincial government’s Rs 250 billion interest-free loan scheme being distributed among 800,000 farmers under the Kissan Card initiative. The programme is designed to support small-scale farmers by improving their access to essential inputs such as seeds and fertilisers, ultimately boosting crop yields and farm incomes.
In addition, the government has earmarked Rs 66 billion for farm mechanisation. This includes the subsidised distribution of 10,000 super seeders, a move intended to reduce the widespread practice of crop residue burning. By addressing this issue, authorities aim to curb smog levels and promote more sustainable farming practices in the region.
The discussions also covered challenges related to Pakistan’s frozen meat exports, particularly technical barriers that limit access to international markets. Kirmani noted that eight disease-free livestock zones have been established to control the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and align with Chinese import requirements, thereby enhancing export readiness.
Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo shared that seven memorandums of understanding signed during a delegation visit to China in October 2025 are currently being implemented. These agreements span multiple areas, including cotton seed research, satellite-based crop monitoring, and agricultural machinery manufacturing.
Sun Yan reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s transition towards digital agriculture. Chinese experts are expected to provide technical assistance in adopting advanced farming technologies and addressing climate-related risks that impact crop productivity.
The expanding partnership reflects a broader effort by both countries to modernise agricultural systems, improve efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability in food production, particularly in Punjab, which remains Pakistan’s agricultural backbone.