In a significant step towards modernizing Pakistan’s agricultural research sector, Pakistan and China have agreed to collaborate on a comprehensive reform initiative aimed at transforming the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) into a globally competitive institution. The Strategic Reform and Cooperation Plan, developed with the support of China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), seeks to overhaul PARC’s research capabilities, infrastructure, and operational frameworks.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain. The meeting reviewed findings from a joint assessment conducted by Chinese and Pakistani experts, which highlighted critical structural gaps within PARC, the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), and 11 affiliated institutes. The study identified chronic underinvestment, outdated laboratories and equipment, weak research commercialisation, and a significant brain drain due to limited incentives and seniority-based promotions as major challenges.
The reform plan calls for the creation of a National Agricultural Science and Technology Roadmap to guide future research directions. It proposes establishing Technology Transfer Units (TTUs) in all major institutes, a National Agricultural Technology Transfer Centre, and regional demonstration hubs to ensure that scientific innovations reach farmers effectively. The plan also emphasizes the need for sustainable funding, modern research management, stronger coordination between federal and provincial institutions, and enhanced farmer-research linkages.
China and Pakistan will strengthen collaboration through joint laboratories, capacity-building programs, and research on climate-resilient crops, pest control, irrigation efficiency, livestock improvement, and advanced farm machinery. Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain praised the contributions of MARA and CAAS in designing a forward-looking reform strategy for Pakistan’s agricultural research ecosystem. He reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations to make PARC a hub of agricultural innovation and modernisation.
The minister also announced the formation of a high-level implementation committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, PARC, and key stakeholders to ensure effective execution with clear milestones and accountability mechanisms. The restructuring of PARC is seen as a national priority, aimed at strengthening food security, enhancing productivity, and supporting sustainable economic growth. This initiative is expected to significantly boost agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and China, aligning with broader goals of food security and economic development.