300 Pakistani Agri Graduates Depart for China Under PM’s Capacity Building Initiative

Report By Muhammad Furqan 

A group of 300 agricultural graduates has departed for China to begin a three-month advanced training program in modern agriculture and livestock technologies. This marks the inaugural batch under the Prime Minister’s Initiative for Capacity Building of 1,000 Agricultural Graduates in China, launched by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Training at Top Chinese Institutions

The selected graduates will receive hands-on training at two prestigious institutions: Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University and Yangling Vocational and Technical College, both recognized for excellence in agriculture, food technology, and veterinary sciences.

The initiative aims to expose young Pakistani professionals to China’s advanced agricultural systems, technological innovations, and farm management practices.

Departure Ceremony Held at Islamabad Airport

The departure ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport, where Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal, along with senior officials from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Ministry of National Food Security and Research, congratulated and addressed the graduates.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and this training will equip you with knowledge and tools to transform the sector,” said Ahsan Iqbal.

He urged the graduates to utilize the opportunity not just for personal development but also for contributing to national food security and sustainable agriculture.

China-Pakistan Collaboration for Agricultural Excellence

This strategic initiative stems from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Yangling Agricultural Demonstration Base in Shaanxi province last year. The short-term training program includes:

• Practical workshops in labs and classrooms
• Exposure to Chinese agricultural evolution and success stories
• Skill assessment and evaluation throughout the course

Transparent Selection with Focus on Inclusion

HEC ensured a transparent and merit-based selection process, placing special emphasis on including graduates from remote and underprivileged regions, particularly Balochistan, to ensure equitable opportunities across the country.

“Such international trainings are unaffordable for most students without government support,” said one participant, thanking the Prime Minister for investing in the future of Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

Vision for the Future: From Learning to Leadership

The federal minister also highlighted the role of policy consistency and political stability in driving long-term progress, using China’s agricultural transformation as an example. He said the government aims to position Pakistan as a net exporter of agricultural products, powered by skilled human capital.

“You are not just trainees, but future leaders of Pakistan’s green revolution. Be our brand ambassadors in China and bring back the knowledge that can change Pakistan,” he concluded.