China and Pakistan Strengthen Cooperation in Cotton Research with New Agreement

China and Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to deepen collaboration in cotton germplasm innovation, pest-resistant breeding, and advanced cultivation technologies.

The agreement was formalized between the Institute of Cotton Research of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICR-CAAS) and Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, during a meeting in Anyang, Henan, China.

Key Areas of Collaboration:

✔ Germplasm Collection & Identification – Joint efforts to improve cotton seed varieties with a focus on pest resistance.
✔ Breeding & Field Trials – Conducting research and testing new cotton strains in both countries.
✔ Technology Integration – Adopting advanced Chinese agricultural techniques to boost Pakistan’s cotton industry.
✔ Talent Exchange & Training – Strengthening research capabilities through academic exchanges and skill development programs.

During the visit, the Pakistani delegation toured China’s leading cotton research facilities, including the National Key Laboratory for Cotton Bio-Breeding. Experts explored China’s advancements in insect-resistant gene editing and cotton germplasm innovation, with Pakistan expressing strong interest in adopting these technologies.

Dr. Abid Mahmood, Director General of Agricultural Research at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, emphasized the importance of leveraging China’s expertise to enhance Pakistan’s cotton productivity and promote sustainable agricultural modernization.

ICR-CAAS, China’s only state-level organization for cotton research, highlighted that this agreement aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to expand global agricultural innovation and develop sustainable solutions for the future of the cotton industry.

The enhanced China-Pakistan cotton research partnership is expected to improve cotton yields, reduce losses due to pests, and strengthen agricultural trade between the two nations. Experts believe this collaboration will accelerate technological advancements, benefiting farmers and the broader textile industry in both countries.