Karachi, Sindh’s contribution to Pakistan’s chilli production reaches a notable 80% of the total 144,000 metric tons, announced Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqir. This statement was made during the ceremony marking the first batch of dry chillies exported from Pakistan to China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor agricultural project.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the event was attended by distinguished guests including the Consul General of China, Mr. Yang, Mr. Yundong, and Mr. Zheng of Sichuan Letong Food Company Limited. Recorded messages from Federal Minister for Food Security and Research Kausar Abdullah Malik and Chinese Ambassador Jian Zedong were also featured. The Chief Minister highlighted the achievements of the Agriculture Department’s Research Institute, Kunari, which has developed two new chilli varieties, Kunari-1 and Nagina, yielding 25-30% more than local varieties.
Justice Baqir emphasized the quality and taste of chillies produced in Canary, noting that establishing dewatering and processing facilities could enhance their quality and demand in the international market, contributing to foreign exchange earnings. He underlined Sindh’s rich agricultural potential due to its fertile lands and diverse climate, expressing the province’s readiness to utilize these resources through historical, sustainable, and innovative agricultural methods.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that more than 143,000 acres of chillies are cultivated in Pakistan, with Sindh being a major contributor. He identified key chilli-growing districts in Sindh, including Umarkot, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Tando Ulhayar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Dadu, and Shikarpur. He emphasized the vast potential for trade, cooperation, and industrial partnership between China and Pakistan.
Justice Baqir described the collaborative efforts as an exemplary model of how partnerships can yield economic benefits, create employment opportunities, and foster cultural understanding. He expressed optimism about the future cooperation between China and Pakistan, seeing the inaugural chilli shipment as a symbol of joint efforts and a potential precursor to many successful projects enhancing the economic ties between the two nations.
The Chief Minister appreciated the roles of the Chinese Sichuan Letong Company, the Chinese Embassy, and the Department of Agriculture, Food Security, and Department of Plant Protection. He highlighted Sindh’s rich history, cultural heritage, and untapped agricultural potential, stating that the export event is a testament to the progress in China-Pakistan friendship and economic cooperation.
In conclusion, Justice Baqir spoke of the enduring bonds forged by initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, reflecting a deep friendship and mutual prosperity. He announced that Sichuan Letong plans to establish two pepper processing plants in Hyderabad and Faisalabad next year, further strengthening the agricultural collaboration between the two countries.