FAISALABAD: Pakistan’s agriculture industry continues to use antiquated farming practices, which result in low returns at high prices. The most recent tunnel farming techniques used by Chinese farmers, who have transformed their agricultural environment, must be adopted.
Speaking to WealthPK, Hassan Ali, a PhD candidate at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, made this statement.
According to Hassan, China was assisting Pakistan in enhancing its agricultural and other sectors through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and with the support of Chinese institutions and farmers, Pakistan may advance tunnel farming. It’s a convenient way to get the things you want at reasonable prices and in a safe setting.
Agriculture scientist Dr. Nadeem explained that Chinese farmers educated Pakistani farmers to produce red chilies, and last month, Pakistan sent its first batch to China.
In order to increase the output of vegetables like tomatoes, bottle gourds, water melons, chili peppers, sweet peppers, and others, Pakistan, an agrarian nation, has to implement tunnel farming, he stated.
According to Dr. Nadeem, Punjab’s low temperatures in December and January prevented farmers from growing vegetables. Therefore, the only way to obtain summer veggies with good yield is through tunnel farming.
“To regulate the interior temperature during the winter, a tunnel is entirely covered in plastic sheeting.
According to him, tunnel farming has changed the game in Pakistan by enabling growers to make more money. “China’s use of modern techniques has revolutionized crop production as well,” he continued.
According to Hassan Ali, the MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, and China’s Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College signed a memorandum of understanding last year. The college would impart cutting-edge technologies to Pakistan in order to strengthen the country’s agriculture industry. To boost output, the locals would also receive training in the newest skills.
He stated, “We need more contracts for all the districts so that our farmers can improve their work capacity, yield, and profits,” and that the nation would not be able to survive in the future if it did not adopt the newest technologies.
Progressive farmer Ansar Ali claimed that although tunnel farming was successful, conventional farming techniques had not yet been superseded. In contrast to traditional farming, he claimed that high-tunnel agriculture was inexpensive and efficient. However, the irony was that Pakistani farmers lacked proper training.
“Year-round crop production, which allows growers to develop crops by ignoring the seasonal limits, is the largest benefit of tunnel farming. The hefty infrastructure costs are the main reason why most farmers are hesitant to implement tunnel farming. Tunnel farming doesn’t require any more work or attention.
According to Dr. Nadeem, young people don’t seem prepared to pursue careers in agriculture. Under such conditions, the only way to supply the increasing demand for food was through indoor farming.
“Indoor farming, often known as tunnel farming, is a critical component of the future. Furthermore, China is quickly advancing indoor farming,” he continued. WEALTHPK
