China-Pakistan Agricultural Researchers Deepen Cooperation on Climate-Resilient Agriculture
China and Pakistan, facing shared challenges like soil degradation, environmental pollution, and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture, are deepening their cooperation through joint research, project applications, and academic exchanges.
Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, a professor at the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in Pakistan, recently visited the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture (IEDA) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) as a foreign expert.
This visit extended an ongoing scientific partnership between Zia-ur-Rehman and Professor Li Hongna and her team at IEDA, which began in 2019. Their collaboration encompasses scientific exchanges, joint research, and applications for research funding.
Several joint research initiatives are progressing. A project submitted by the researchers in China was shortlisted for further review, allowing Zia-ur-Rehman to participate in the proposal defense in person. Meanwhile, joint proposals submitted in Pakistan are under review by the Pakistan Science Foundation and the Punjab Agriculture Research Board.
Zia-ur-Rehman highlights the value of China-Pakistan agricultural cooperation, emphasizing the complementary strengths of the two nations:
- "China has made remarkable advances in agricultural science, technology, and research infrastructure, while Pakistan offers diverse agro-ecological conditions and a strong need for joint experimentation under open field conditions."
Both countries face common challenges, including soil degradation, safe management of organic waste, and developing climate-resilient agriculture. Academic exchanges, according to Zia-ur-Rehman, can combine China’s technological and institutional strengths with Pakistan’s field experience and local knowledge.
Climate change intensifies these challenges, putting additional pressure on agricultural production and food security.
Zia-ur-Rehman believes joint research on soil health and safe waste management can reduce environmental risks while enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity, directly linked to food security.
Researchers are also exploring emerging issues in agricultural ecosystems, such as microplastics and antibiotic resistance. Future cooperation could involve studying their environmental behavior and potential remediation approaches.
This partnership has already delivered tangible results.
