PM directs merit-based selection for China agricultural training

January 23, 2025 (MLN): The selection of students for agricultural training in China should prioritize transparency and merit, according to directives issued by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

While chairing a meeting in Islamabad, he directed the formation of a committee to address complaints from students who do not meet the selection criteria during the application scrutiny process via the portal.

Shehbaz Sharif stated that the government will cover all expenses for the modern agricultural training of Pakistani students in China, with the first batch set to depart soon.

He also emphasized that a special quota of 10% has been reserved for students from Balochistan for this training opportunity.

The Prime Minister said China is Pakistan's longstanding friend and its development in the agricultural sector is unparalleled.

He expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership and universities for providing Pakistani students the opportunity to receive modern agricultural training in their country.

He was briefed that applications from agricultural sector students were submitted transparently through the portal.

Out of 1,287 applications, 711 students met the established criteria for training, including candidates from Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The meeting was informed that the students will be sent to China in two separate batches.

The first batch of 300 students will receive training in areas such as irrigation improvement, livestock disease diagnosis and monitoring, livestock breeding and modern genetics, and the preparation and processing of modern seeds.

The first batch of students will depart for China in March.

The second batch of 400 students will be sent to China in the middle of this year.

They will receive training in the use of modern machinery in agriculture, rapid crop growth, the use of modern technology in agriculture including artificial intelligence, and fruit and vegetable processing.

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