The first batch of 300 agricultural graduates from Pakistan reached Xi’an, Shaanxi Province of China, on April 16, 2025, to begin their advanced training in China. The initiative is aimed at transforming Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
These professionals are the first cohort under the Prime Minister’s Initiative for Capacity Building of 1,000 Agricultural Graduates in China, a fully government-funded program aimed at equipping Pakistan’s next generation of agricultural experts with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills and to strengthen the country’s agriculture sector—a backbone of the national economy.
Training at top-tier Chinese Agricultural Institutes
The graduates will undergo a three-month intensive training in agro-technology, climate-resilient agriculture, and modern farming practices. Their training will take place at two of China’s foremost agricultural institutions:
- Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NWAFU)
- Yangling Vocational and Technical College
Both institutions are renowned for their research, innovation, and global collaboration in sustainable agriculture and food security.
Warm Welcome in Xi’an
Upon arrival at Xi’an International Airport, the participants were warmly received by Mr. Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary, Deputy Head of Mission at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, alongside senior Chinese officials.
During a welcoming session, the graduates were briefed on China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership as well as the scope and objectives of the training program and expanding collaboration in agriculture between the two nations.
Pakistan aims for Agricultural Transformation
On April 15, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed a send-off ceremony in Islamabad, expressing optimism about the programme’s long-term impact: “By receiving advanced training, the students will play their part to ensure food security, boost exports, and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers.”
He also praised the enduring friendship with China, saying: “China has always stood by Pakistan in difficult times, and we will never forget its unwavering support. Our young graduates going to China will act as a bridge of friendship, knowledge, and cooperation.”
High-Priority Training areas
According to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the program will cover nine priority areas critical to Pakistan’s agricultural advancement, including:
- Farm mechanisation
- Genomics and biotechnology
- Precision agriculture
- Artificial intelligence
- High-efficiency irrigation systems
Graduates were selected through a competitive, merit-based process aligned with their academic specialisations. The initiative reflects Pakistan’s broader strategy to modernise agriculture, build resilience against climate change, and improve productivity across rural communities.
Graduates to become Master Trainers
Upon returning to Pakistan, the participants are expected to serve as “master trainers,” transferring their knowledge and expertise to farming communities, universities, and research institutions nationwide.
“The agricultural graduates are expected to return as master trainers, helping disseminate the knowledge and techniques learned abroad to local farming communities and institutions,” the ministry said in its earlier statement.
This initiative is not just a training program—it is a strategic pillar in Pakistan’s efforts to develop a knowledge-based agricultural economy. It also deepens bilateral cooperation with China, reinforcing the two countries’ shared vision for sustainable development and regional food security.
This training program is more than a short-term academic exchange. Officials view it as a foundational step toward long-term goals of achieving food security, enhancing export potential, and transitioning toward sustainable and technology-driven agricultural practices.
The initiative comes at a time when Pakistan is actively seeking innovative solutions to tackle climate change challenges, water scarcity, and declining crop yields—issues that have significantly impacted the sector in recent years.