The first shipment of equipment from Tianjin Dayu Irrigation Group, a leading Chinese water-saving company, has been sent for the Million Acres of Green Pakistan Smart Farm Project, as reported by Gwadar Pro. This includes intelligent irrigation equipment for a 2,000-hectare farmland area, aiding in the cultivation of wheat, cotton, tomatoes, corn, and other crops. The project aligns with Pakistan’s LIMS initiative launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on July 7, 2023, aiming to modernize agriculture, boost productivity, and address food security using advanced technology and irrigation systems.
Ghulam Qadir, Pakistan’s Commercial Counsellor in China, highlighted agriculture as Pakistan’s key industry, emphasizing the importance of advanced technology in boosting production and potentially aiding food exports in the future. He expressed interest in collaborating with Dayu Group, citing their achievements in flood prevention, disaster early warning, and rural sewage treatment.
Cui Jing, senior vice president of Dayu Group, mentioned Pakistani interest in Dayu’s rural sewage treatment project in Tianjin and farmer drinking water safety project in Ningxia. She expressed optimism about expanding cooperation, suggesting the potential introduction of these projects to Pakistan in the future.
Pakistan faces persistent water shortages, with a significant portion of its water supply allocated to cultivating water-intensive crops like wheat, rice, sugar cane, and cotton, crucial for sustaining its textile industry. Conversely, Tianjin, a major city in northern China, grapples with water scarcity issues. Over the years, Tianjin has prioritized green manufacturing and implemented a water-saving model across its industrial chain. Through bilateral cooperation, Tianjin aims to share its expertise in “tridimensional water management” with Belt and Road partners like Pakistan, focusing on agricultural water conservation, safe drinking water for farmers, and rural sewage treatment for long-term sustainable development.