ISLAMABAD: The South Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has submitted a feasibility study to the government for the establishment of a ‘Seed potato production and supply centre’ in Islamabad that will reduce the dependency on imported potato seed by about 80 per cent.

Presenting the feasibility study to Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Monday, KOICA Director Je Ho Yeon termed the proposed project a model initiative for long-term agricultural cooperation between South Korea and Pakistan.

He said Korea had achieved global success in seed potato production through aeroponics and advanced cold-chain systems and KOICA was ready to transfer this expertise to Pakistan on a large scale.

The KOICA official stated that the project will not only strengthen local seed production but also build institutional capacity through modern training programmes, ERP-based traceability and post-harvest management systems. He reaffirmed KOICA’s full support in ensuring that Pakistan develops a sustainable, high-tech seed potato production system.

Food security minister terms project timely and transformational initiative for Pakistan’s potato sector

South Korea, a global leader in agricultural innovation, offers solutions in mass scale seed potato production through aeroponics technology. Leveraging the expertise through bilateral collaboration presents an opportunity for Pakistan to transform its agriculture sector.

Previously, eight aeroponics, 36 screen houses and one cold storage had been established at NARC under a Pakistan Korea joint project. A proposal to establish a seed potato production and supply centre at Pakistan Agricultural Research Centre had been submitted KOICA.

KOICA will provide financial contribution of $10 million for the project, while the government will provide over $5 million, including the operational cost.  Work on the four-year project will commence in 2027.

KOICA and Pakistani experts hope that domestic production of virus-free seed potatoes will substantially increase with the completion of the project, whereas 70 to 80 per cent dependency on imported seed will be reduced. Pakistan needs more than 0.9 million tonnes seed potato annually.

The project will improve access to high-quality certified seed for over 100,000 farmers across the country, contributing to increased yields, reduced input costs and improved income stability and food security.

The food security minister welcomed the Korean initiative and appreciated KOICA’s continued commitment to Pakistan’s agricultural development, describing the project as a timely and transformational initiative for the country’s potato sector.

He said that Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported seed potatoes - despite its massive cultivation area and high demand - remained a critical challenge that must be addressed through technology and collaboration.

He said the project would significantly reduce import dependency and help Pakistan achieve self-sufficiency in high-quality seed production.

The minister added that Korea’s leadership in aeroponics and tissue culture technology offers Pakistan a unique opportunity to modernise its seed systems, enhance productivity by up to 20 per cent and expand access to virus-free certified seed for more than 100,000 farmers.

He assured the Korean delegation that the government was fully committed to facilitating the early approval and implementation of the project, as it directly aligns with national priorities of food security and agricultural modernisation.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2025