BEIJING / ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has already entered into a pre-agreement with China’s agricultural engineering firm FAMSUN for the setting up of FAMSUN Technology Display Park, which is considered to be a significant step for modernizing agriculture in the country. However, the declaration is made amidst a host of structural weaknesses in agriculture in Pakistan, leading one to question how this latest memorandum will bear any fruit.

Agreement and Its Parties

The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and the Chinese FAMSUN Group have made a signed letter of intent to develop the FAMSUN Technology Display Park under the supervision of PARC. The document was signed by Chairman PARC, Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, and CEO of the FAMSUN Group, Mr. Jack Chen. The purpose of the agreement includes cooperation in agricultural innovations, researches, and technology transfers.

Modernization Efforts of Government

Speaking on the matter, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for National Food Security and Research, said that the project is one of the efforts of the government to modernize agriculture of Pakistan through collaborations with other nations and with the help of technology. He further added that FAMSUN Technology Display Park would serve as a national level facility where latest technologies could be seen.

According to Rana Tanveer, it is true that there exists much potential for agriculture in Pakistan; however, it also has to face the problems of low productivity, post-harvest losses, and less value addition. It was claimed that collaboration between the two would enable the importation of advanced technologies and the attraction of new investments in agriculture.

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PARC Names It a Unique Platform

Speaking about the LoI, PARC Chairman Dr. Andrabi stated that it is a significant development for his organization. According to him, FAMSUN Technology Display Park would be the first such unique platform created at PARC where the cutting-edge agricultural engineering technologies from a globally reputed company will be exhibited. According to Andrabi, the objective behind the agreement is to improve the agricultural research efforts by bridging the gap between science and industry, and also facilitating the training and collaboration of researchers and agribusinesses.

Signs from FAMSUN That It is Ready for the Long Run

The chief executive officer of FAMSUN, Mr. Jack Chen, believed in the capabilities of the agriculture sector in Pakistan and had said that his firm was ready for a long-term collaboration with the country. Mr. Chen emphasized the significance of exchanging information and innovation activities that would help in achieving sustainable agriculture in the country.

Details of the Contents of the Letter of Intent

According to the terms of the Letter of Intent, both PARC and FAMSUN will work together towards setting up the FAMSUN Technology Display Park, which will be an establishment for the demonstration of technologies, collaboration in research, professional training and interaction between government institutions, universities and industries. It is also intended that it should help create avenues for introducing internationally acclaimed agricultural technologies in Pakistan.

It is not clear whether the FAMSUN Technology Display Park will be able to transcend signing of memorandums of understanding and effect real change in productivity levels and incomes of farmers in the coming future.