QUETTA: Deputy Chief of Mission of Chinese Embassy in Islamabad Lijian Zhao said on Monday that his country wanted to help improve the agriculture sector in Balochistan by imparting training to the farmers about latest technology, proper usage of seeds, irrigation and capacity building.

During a meeting with Agriculture Minister Zamarak Khan Piralizai, the Chinese diplomat said that under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor the second phase of investment would be in several sectors, including agriculture.

He assured the minister that China would assist the Balochistan government in durable development of its agriculture sector. He said that Chinese investors would also invest in the agriculture sector of Balochistan.

The two sides discussed the importance of the agriculture sector, Chinese cooperation in capacity building of farmers, awareness about better use of latest technology, augmentation of production and investment in this sector.

The minister thanked the Chinese diplomat for showing interest in the development of agriculture sector and assured him that the Balochistan government would fully cooperate with Chinese investors and provide them all necessary facilities.

He said the agriculture played a crucial role in the economy of Balochistan as approximately 80 per cent people were linked with this sector.

Mr Piralizai said the provincial government was taking steps for the promotion of agriculture, providing training to farmers, spending on researches despite lack of resources.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2019