Chinese agricultural technology transforms oilseed harvesting landscape in Pakistan
Pakistan's eastern Bhakkar district has seen the introduction of newly imported oilseed harvesters from China, which have significantly improved the country's agricultural sector. The country relies on imports for 89% of its edible oil needs and spends 3.6 billion U.S. dollars annually to meet this demand. Due to the high cost of imported edible oil, many villagers resort to cheaper but unhealthy alternatives like mustard oil due to the unavailability of good quality oil seeds in the local market. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was launched in 2013 to link Gwadar Port in southwest Pakistan's Balochistan province with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In line with the CPEC's cooperation in agriculture, Chinese company Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Seed Co. Ltd. and Pakistani company Evyol Group signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to help Pakistan become self-sufficient in edible oil through ample cultivation and efficient harvest of healthy canola oilseeds. In the first phase, the Chinese company provided high-quality hybrid seed for cultivation, increasing per acre yield and providing a healthy alternative to locals. In the second phase, the company is working on transferring technology to Pakistan, including the harvesters imported from China, paving the way for smart agriculture practices in the country. The third phase involves importing oil-extracting machines, enabling local farmers to extract the oil themselves for domestic consumption and commercial use. The technology transfer has the potential to boost yields by 20-30%, enhancing farmers' incomes and accelerating widespread adoption.
