HYDERABAD: Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, and the Research Institute of Pomology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPCAAS), have signed two pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to advance pomology research and promote sustainable fruit industry development.

The first MoU, signed by SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri and IPCAAS Director General Prof Dr Cheng Cungang, establishes scientific collaboration in agricultural and pomology research.

This agreement covers technical cooperation, personnel exchange, postgraduate training, and the industrialization of new technology. Coordinators for this collaboration include Prof Dr Manzoor Ali Abro, Dr Muhammad Ibrahim Khaskheli, Prof Dr Inayatullah Rajper, and Dr Niaz Ahmed Wahocho from SAU, along with Dr Zhou Zongshan and Dr Cong Jianlin from IPCAAS. A Steering Committee, led by Prof Dr Cheng Cungang in China and Prof Dr Fateh Marri in Pakistan, will oversee the cooperation achievements and seek funding for expert exchanges and forum organization.

These MoUs represent a significant advancement in scientific and technical collaboration in pomology, contributing to sustainable fruit production and strengthening Pakistan-China relations.

The second MoU, signed by Dr Muhammad Ibrahim Khaskheli from SAU and Dr Zhou Zongshan from IPCAAS, focuses on the establishment of the Sino-Pakistan Modern Demonstration Orchard.

This agreement emphasizes bilateral technical cooperation through resource sharing and includes collaborative research, training, technical projects, and academic publications. The intellectual property resulting from this collaboration will be jointly owned, and a steering committee will seek funding and promote bilateral cooperation.

Following the signing of the MoUs, Vice Chancellor Dr Fateh Marri, IPCAAS Director Prof Dr Zhou Zongshan, and other experts from both institutions inaugurated the selected field for the demonstration orchard at SAU’s Malir Farm.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024