BEIJING: The average production of linseed in Pakistan is only 692 kg per hectare, so it is very important to grow linseed varieties suitable for Pakistan’s climate and soil conditions as soon as possible, said Zhao Wei, a researcher at the Crop Research Institute of Gansu Academy of Agricultural Science (GAAS).
Empowering linseed farmers through agrotechnology is just the beginning. Our cooperation project could contribute to the economic development of both parties by creating employment opportunities, increasing trade and improving the overall efficiency of the linseed value chain, noted Prof. Dr. A. W. Gandahi, Chairman, Department of Soil Science, Sindh Agriculture University. at the linseed collaboration seminar held on July 24.
Pakistan is working hard to increase production of oilseeds. The first ever comprehensive National Oilseeds Policy was designed to increase production of edible oils and reduce import dependency as well as improve profitability of oilseed growers.
At present, Punjab and Sindh are the major linseed growing provinces of Pakistan, accounting for 47% and 53% of the area respectively. However, the area planted to linseed has remained static (9,000-9,500 hectares) for the past fifteen years, Professor Gandahi mentioned the need to increase the area and yield of such an important cash crop.
While linseed growers in Pakistan are plagued by a number of obstacles, including low prices, lack of water for irrigation, lack of quality seed and the arch-nemesis, climate change, CEN said.
Overall, addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort by the government, research institutions and the private sector to provide farmers with technical support, improved seed varieties and training. Agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and China should never be ignored, Professor Gandahi stressed.
Addressing the seminar, the professor emphasized that China, as a major producer of agro-products and a provider of advanced technologies for cultivation such as seed development, irrigation and mechanization, could share advanced technologies with Pakistani farmers.
Moreover, as the world’s largest consumer, China could share more opportunities through which Pakistani growers can increase their exports, thereby improving income and contributing to the growth of the value chain in Pakistan.
Apart from all the issues, the collaboration between Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam and Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences could facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills between Pakistani and Chinese farmers, researchers and experts. Through joint research and development, the challenges faced by linseed growers in both countries will be gradually solved.
The China-Pakistan Flax Research and Innovation Center was also inaugurated on the same day. The new GAAS flax varieties, Longya series, were found to be all selected according to the dry, low rainfall climatic conditions of northwest China. In planting trials, the yield is generally more than 10 percent higher than that of local varieties, and the resistance to disease and insect pests is more satisfactory.
