Islamabad, April 16, 2025 – In a transformative step toward modernizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched the Uraan Pakistan initiative, sending 300 agricultural graduates to China for specialized training in cutting-edge farming techniques. This first batch, selected from over 1,200 applicants, departed today following a send-off ceremony attended by the Prime Minister and Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain. The program, fully funded by the Pakistani government, aims to train 1,000 graduates in 2025, equipping them with skills to revolutionize the nation’s agrarian economy.
The initiative, announced during Sharif’s visit to the Yangling Agricultural Demonstration Base in Xi’an, China, in June 2024, focuses on advanced agricultural practices, including crop speed breeding, livestock genomics, farm mechanization, and precision agriculture. Training, spanning three to six months, will be conducted at leading Chinese universities and research institutes. Participants, chosen through a merit-based process, represent all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, with a 10% quota reserved for Balochistan to ensure inclusive representation.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the critical role of youth in national development, stating, “Our graduates will return as master trainers, transferring modern techniques to rural communities and boosting productivity.” He urged students to study China’s agricultural model, renowned for its innovation, to enhance Pakistan’s per-acre yield and export potential. The program also encourages entrepreneurial ventures, with government support through subsidies and low-interest loans for agri-tech startups.
The Uraan Pakistan initiative boosts agricultural productivity, aligning with Pakistan’s economic goals. With agriculture contributing significantly to GDP and employing over a third of the workforce, it fosters sustainable growth, enhances food security, and uplifts rural communities. By fostering expertise in sustainable practices and technologies like artificial intelligence and high-efficiency irrigation, the program aims to address food security challenges and drive economic growth. Minister Hussain highlighted the prioritization of Balochistan, noting, “This initiative ensures no region is left behind in our agricultural transformation.”
The collaboration strengthens Pakistan-China ties under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. Sharif expressed gratitude to Chinese institutions for hosting the students, reinforcing the “all-weather friendship.” As the first batch embarks on this journey, Pakistan anticipates a new era of agricultural innovation, with these young professionals poised to reshape the sector upon their return.
