Pakistan plans to reshape its China-based training program for 1,000 agriculture graduates by focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology and digital farming technologies to modernize the country’s agriculture sector.

The initiative was discussed during the 91st meeting of the CPEC Projects Review and National Steering Committee, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, where officials reviewed progress on the overseas training program.

Iqbal directed relevant authorities to develop a detailed plan covering the graduates’ fields of specialization, future deployment and roles after completing their training in China.

He stressed that the expertise gained abroad should be converted into practical improvements in Pakistan’s agriculture sector rather than remaining limited to training.

The minister instructed officials to prioritize areas including biotechnology, advanced seed development, high-yield crop varieties, digital agriculture services, AI-driven farming solutions and cooperative farm management.

He also called for the preparation of a five-year human resource and sector development roadmap to ensure future training programs match Pakistan’s agricultural requirements.

The meeting also reviewed progress on CPEC 2.0 projects, with directions to speed up initiatives under the Growth, Livelihood, Innovation, Green Development and Regional Connectivity corridors.

Officials also briefed the committee on developments related to the Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone, Gwadar power infrastructure and the Karakoram Highway Phase-II project.