Islamabad, Pakistan and the Republic of Korea have embarked on a series of joint agricultural technology projects, including the development of aeroponics for seed potato production, advancements in fodder production, chili drying, and improvements in cattle artificial insemination. These initiatives, which represent a significant collaboration in agricultural technology transfer, are being spearheaded by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and the Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA).
According to Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, the partnership has led to the signing of Technical Cooperation Projects (TCPs) focused on various agricultural advancements. Notably, this includes the construction of aeroponic greenhouses, seed production of oat and rye grass, and artificial insemination using Korean Holstein Sexed Semen in cattle.
Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman of PARC, highlighted the importance of developing aeroponic potato seeds in Pakistan. He noted that while conventional potato plants yield approximately five tuber seeds, aeroponic plants have the potential to produce 50 to 60 seeds each. Pakistan, which currently cultivates potatoes over roughly 300,000 hectares and imports 15,000 to 20,000 tons of potato seeds annually due to the inferior quality of domestic seeds, could save an estimated Rs 2-3 billion annually and achieve self-sufficiency in potato seed production through this project. Dr. Ali also expressed optimism about the growth prospects of the livestock sector in Pakistan with the introduction of new fodder seed production and cattle artificial insemination technologies. He extended gratitude to the South Korean government for their support in these endeavors.
Dr. Cho Gyoungrae, Director of KOPIA-Pakistan Center, shared the outcomes of ongoing projects and future plans. He announced the construction of 1574 m2 aeroponics greenhouses and 21600 m2 screen houses under the “Pakistan-Korea Joint Program on Certified Seed Potato Production System,” aiming to produce 160,000 tons of certified seed potato annually. Dr. Gyoungrae also discussed the seed production of oat and rye grass and breed improvement through efficient artificial insemination services using Korean Holstein Sexed Semen in cattle, funded by Rural Development (RDA) Korea for three years. He mentioned several upcoming projects and reaffirmed the commitment to enhance Pakistan-Korea cooperation, including training opportunities for Pakistani agricultural professionals.
The event saw participation from Korean and Pakistani scientists and senior management from PARC.