A Pakistani student studying at Southwest University in Chongqing, China, is focused on advancing agricultural cooperation between China and Pakistan, particularly in the field of hybrid rice.
Shareef Gul, a master’s student in crop cultivation and farming systems, hopes his research will contribute to strengthening ties and improving food security in both countries.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Gul explained that his studies are centered on ratoon rice, a type of hybrid rice that is drought-resistant, which he believes will play a crucial role in addressing global food security challenges.
“We are using more advanced technology to grow some hybrid ratoon rice for drought-resistance varieties. This is very important for food security,” he said.
Gul chose to study at Southwest University due to its historical significance in hybrid rice research. He praised the legacy of Yuan Longping, known as the “father of hybrid rice,” who also studied at Southwest University. Yuan, renowned for developing the first hybrid rice varieties in the 1970s, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to global food security. His high-yield hybrid rice varieties have played a pivotal role in combating hunger worldwide, helping to boost rice production and improve food access in many countries.
Gul said that China’s advanced agricultural technologies have provided him with invaluable insights that he plans to apply in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
“I would like to play a role as a bridge between Pakistan and China and collaborate in the agricultural sector,” Gul added. He emphasized that his research could serve as a foundation for further collaboration between the two nations in the field of hybrid rice production, an area that has already seen successful joint programs.
China and Pakistan have a long history of agricultural collaboration, with both countries launching numerous initiatives to enhance rice cultivation techniques. Gul’s work is poised to further this cooperation, offering solutions that could benefit both nations in ensuring food security in the face of climate challenges.
This story is based on a video report by Xinhua News Agency.