Pakistan and China to Collaborate on Producing Better Rice Varieties

A Chinese delegation of seven members led by Director General China National Rice Research Institute (CNRRI) Prof. Dr. Cheng Shihua, met with Pakistani scientists to work on producing new, improved rice varieties.

The meeting took place on Monday at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

The Chinese Delegation also met with Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, the former Chairman of HEC, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Director ICCBS, and rice expert Dr. Fida Abbasi of Hazara University at Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD).

The importance of rice breeding and producing high-quality rice was the highlight of the meeting. All the participants agreed that collaborative research is the way forward for the two countries. The delegation also visited the research centers established in ICCBS.

The Initiatives

Two research centers under Sino-Pakistan Hybrid Rice Research Center project have been established. One is in ICCBS, Pakistan whereas the other one is in China, with an aim to promote research and for strengthening the rice production capabilities of both the countries. The delegation believes that collaboration between the two research centers can prove quite useful for both countries.

Further initiatives were discussed at at the meeting as well. These include the academic exchange program for research and training for ICCBS scholars. Solving rice-related problems through research and development will be the focus of these research institutes.

Both Pakistani and Chinese scientists presented their viewpoints in a seminar held after the meeting at the University of Karachi.

Pakistan’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and rice production is an important precursor for economic development. Strengthening ties with China in the agriculture sector bodes well for Pakistan in the longer run.

Via Business Recorder

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