Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a significant initiative aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s agriculture sector by sending 1,000 agriculture graduates to China for advanced studies. This move underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural capacity through international collaboration.

At a ceremony marking the first phase of the program, Prime Minister Sharif celebrated the dispatch of 300 students to China. He emphasized the program as a landmark development for Pakistan’s agriculture, with the expectation that graduates will return with valuable expertise to drive innovation and sustainability in the sector.

Sharif articulated the strategic importance of this initiative, noting that the students will act as a conduit for knowledge and best practices between Beijing and Islamabad. He outlined the inclusive nature of the selection process, which was based on merit and encompassed all regions, including a dedicated quota for Balochistan.

The prime minister acknowledged China’s critical support across various sectors, highlighting its role in securing a recent IMF program for Pakistan. He stressed the potential impact of modern agricultural techniques, which graduates are expected to bring back from China, in improving productivity and economic returns for farmers.

Sharif also pointed to the untapped potential of small and medium enterprises in agriculture, advocating for increased focus on value addition to maximize economic benefits. He concluded by stating that the initiative is part of his government’s broader vision to cultivate a prosperous, technology-driven agricultural future for Pakistan.