LAHORE: In a recent think tank session at the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) Secretariat, President Moazzam Ghurki emphasized the potential for collaboration between Pakistan and China in mulberry seed cultivation. Ghurki highlighted the significant benefits of increasing silk production within Pakistan, estimating a potential to provide employment for up to six hundred thousand people, predominantly rural women.

Mulberries, already a popular fruit in Pakistan, offer multiple avenues for economic development. With their fast growth and suitability to Pakistan’s climate, mulberry trees thrive in rural areas across the country, including Punjab, KP, Abottabad, and GB. Ghurki emphasized the versatility of the mulberry tree, noting that its leaves can be utilized as feed for silkworms, while its branches are employed in crafting various household items. Furthermore, the fruit itself can be processed into a range of products, from juice to jam.

Senior Vice President Fang Yulong outlined the potential for adopting Chinese cultivation techniques in Pakistan, citing successful initiatives such as improved mulberry varieties that have significantly increased leaf output. Yulong also highlighted the export of mulberry saplings to Uzbekistan, suggesting a similar model could be applied in Pakistan with appropriate technical support.

Vice President Hamza Khalid identified Punjab as a key region for mulberry cultivation, given its abundant flora and sizable population. Khalid emphasized the importance of engaging local communities, aiming to involve 1,000 families in mulberry cultivation during the upcoming spring season.

In light of these discussions, PCJCCI underscores the opportunity for bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China in leveraging mulberry cultivation for economic growth and rural development.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024