An LoI (Letter of Intent) on China-Pakistan agricultural science and technology collaboration between Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS) and University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) was signed last week. This major event marks a new chapter of agricultural partnership expansion and enrichment between Pakistan and China.
As per the LoI, both institutions mean to work together to develop a collaborative agreement whereby the institutions may participate in joint teaching, training, research, and other agreed activities to further enhance the program and the relationship between the two institutions.
Both institutions be in agreement to encourage the development of the exchange program based on their respective academic and educational needs. This includes post-harvest treatment of agricultural products; integrated pest management of agricultural products in rice, corn, and nut fruits; interaction of molecular mechanisms between the pests and agricultural products; development and utilization of agricultural product resources; characterization and evaluation of germplasm; deployment of specialty maize hybrids, and more.
Prof. Iqrar expressed hopes of learning from China’s experience in post-harvest processing of agricultural products, biological breeding, product innovation, technical services, and results transformation. The two sides aim to complement each other’s advantages and establish a robust exchange mechanism.
