Pakistan-Korea Collaboration Pioneers Aeroponic Potato Seed Production

Pakistan and the Republic of Korea have joined forces to spearhead the adoption of aeroponic technology in potato seed production—a move set to transform the agricultural landscape of Pakistan. The collaboration, facilitated by Technical Cooperation Projects (TCP) between PARC, Pakistan, and KOPIA, Korea, aims to revolutionize potato cultivation through innovative methods.

The partnership’s flagship endeavor, the Aeroponic Potato Seed Production System, promises to not only enhance agricultural productivity but also create a multitude of employment opportunities, marking a new era of agricultural innovation in Pakistan. A momentous ceremony commemorating the inaugural harvest of potato seeds was held at the National Agricultural Research Center, attended by distinguished guests including Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Ambassador Park Ki Jun of Korea, and Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman of PARC.

Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik underscored the significance of adopting aeroponic technology, emphasizing its potential to significantly boost potato production and ensure the availability of virus-free seeds. He highlighted Pakistan’s reliance on importing 98% of its seed demand and expressed optimism that this collaboration would lead to self-sufficiency in potato seed production, aligning with the government’s commitment to prioritize the agricultural sector.

Ambassador Park Ki Jun commended the collaborative efforts between Pakistan and Korea, noting the rapid progress of the joint potato seed production project. He outlined plans for future initiatives aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation, including training opportunities in agriculture for Pakistani professionals.

Chairman PARC, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, emphasized the importance of implementing aeroponic technology in potato seed production, citing its ability to significantly increase seed yields compared to conventional methods. He announced upcoming projects worth over $8 million in livestock and smart farming, slated for launch in 2025, and thanked the Republic of Korea for its support in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

Dr. Cho Gyoungrae, Director of KOPIA-Pakistan Center, detailed plans to provide 160,000 tons of certified seed potatoes over five years, including the construction of aeroponic greenhouses and screenhouses. Dr. Aish Muhammad, the Project Coordinator, highlighted the project’s objectives of reducing production costs, improving yields, and achieving self-sufficiency in potato seed production through sustainable aeroponic technology and trained personnel.