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A high-level Chinese delegation has announced plans to establish manufacturing plants for state-of-the-art agricultural machinery in Punjab. The delegation visited Lahore on the invitation of the Punjab Agriculture Minister and met with department officials on Friday to finalise the details.
This move marks a significant step toward modernising the province’s agriculture sector through high-tech mechanisation.
The delegation outlined a strategy focused on accessibility and customisation. First, the Chinese agricultural machinery manufactured in these new plants will match the purchasing power of local farmers. Second, the equipment will be specifically tailored to meet local agricultural needs.
Beyond catering to the domestic market, the initiative has global ambitions. The delegation shared that this locally produced machinery will also be exported. Furthermore, Chinese agricultural experts will play an active role in the capacity building of Punjab’s agricultural scientists.
Punjab Secretary of Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo welcomed the delegation and reviewed the progress of working groups formed between the Agriculture Department and Chinese companies.
Iftikhar Ali highlighted that five important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during a recent visit to China. These agreements cover critical areas, including:
- Satellite-based crop monitoring.
- High-tech farm mechanisation programs.
- Revival of cotton and seed R&D.
- Technical assistance for establishing a centre of excellence.
Officials have now finalised the recommendations to implement these MoUs.
The provincial government is throwing its full weight behind this collaboration. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo stated that the Chief Minister of Punjab is providing generous resources to transform the sector. He noted that China’s cooperation is essential for materialising the Chief Minister’s vision of high-tech farm mechanisation.
Consequently, the Punjab government pledged full facilitation for the Chinese companies that manufacture this advanced machinery. The delegation confirmed that practical steps to adopt China’s agricultural model in Punjab have already begun, further strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
