Sindh Leads Pakistan’s Chilli Production, Celebrates First Export to China

Karachi, In a significant development for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar announced that the province contributes about 80% of the national chilli production, which is approximately 144,000 metric tons. This announcement was made at a ceremony commemorating the first shipment of dried chillies from Pakistan to China, a milestone achieved under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Agricultural Project.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Consul General of China, Mr. Yang Mr. Yundong, and Mr. Zheng, Project Manager of Sichuan Litong Food Co., Ltd. Recorded messages from Federal Minister of Food Security and Research Kausar Abdullah Malik and Chinese Ambassador Jian Zaidong were also displayed. The Chief Minister emphasized the advancements made by the Agriculture Department’s Research Institute, Kunri, in developing new chilli varieties, Kunri-I and Nageena, which yield 25-30% more than local varieties. He noted that chillies from Kunri are known for their distinct color and taste.

Justice Baqar stated that establishing dehydration and processing facilities could significantly improve the quality of chillies and their demand in international markets, contributing to foreign exchange earnings. He highlighted Sindh’s rich agricultural potential, given its fertile lands and diverse climate, and expressed enthusiasm for leveraging these assets through sustainable and innovative practices.

The Chief Minister disclosed that chilli cultivation in Pakistan spans over 143,000 acres, with Sindh being the major contributor. He identified key chilli-growing districts in the province, including Umarkot, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Dadu, and Shikarpur, underscoring the vast potential for trade and industrial partnerships between China and Pakistan.

Justice Baqar remarked on the significance of the first chilli shipment from Pakistan to China, viewing it as a symbol of the collaborative efforts between the two countries and a precursor to future successful ventures. He lauded the roles played by the Chinese Sichuan Litong Company, the Chinese Embassy, and the departments of Agriculture, Food Security, and Plant Protection in Sindh. The Chief Minister reflected on the importance of the event in strengthening the China-Pakistan friendship and economic collaboration.

He also commented on the deeper bond between Pakistan and China, fostered through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as emblematic of a strong and enduring friendship. The Chief Minister concluded by announcing that the Chinese company Sichuan Litong plans to establish two chilli processing plants in Hyderabad and Faisalabad next year, further enhancing the agricultural partnership between the two nations.

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