A Chinese agricultural technology company and a Pakistani agribusiness firm have partnered to introduce improved peanut seeds and develop a local supply chain in Pakistan.
The partnership was announced by representatives of Shandong Rainbow Agricultural Technology Co and Pakistan’s Uqab Corporation in a press release.
According to Shandong Rainbow’s Overseas Project Coordinator, Qian Hong, the collaboration aims to modernize peanut farming in Pakistan.
She said the company plans to improve seed quality by selecting peanut varieties that are suitable for Pakistan’s soil and irrigation conditions, which are different from those in China. The company is also considering supplying seeds, investing in farms, growing peanuts locally, and purchasing the harvest for export to China.
Qian added that Shandong Rainbow has already been working with local partners on peanut seed development and has carried out trial projects over the past two years.
Uqab Corporation’s Agri Head, Dr Atif Majeed, said the company has already signed a memorandum of understanding, with more agreements expected in the future. He explained that the long-term plan is to build a complete peanut supply chain in Pakistan, including breeding and research centres, primary processing units, cold storage facilities, and warehouses.
Dr Majeed said different peanut varieties are used for specific purposes, especially roasting. He noted that Shandong Rainbow has developed specially bred peanut seeds that help reduce rancidity while keeping the peanuts crisp. These seeds will be cross-bred with local varieties to make them better suited to Pakistan’s growing conditions.
