Pakistan, China launch desert farming cooperation project

Multan: Pakistan and China have launched a new desert horticulture cooperation project aimed at improving farming practices in arid regions of Pakistan. The initiative includes the country’s first Joint Laboratory for Desert Agriculture and a Science and Technology Backyard dedicated to desert farming research. Modern technologies such as solar-powered greenhouses, drip irrigation, drones, and precision farming systems have been introduced to improve water efficiency and crop yields, with solar greenhouses reportedly increasing productivity by up to 35%. Officials say the project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will support rural development, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Experts suggest that such technological collaboration can transform farming in Pakistan’s desert regions. Can this project set a benchmark for arid-zone agriculture in the country?