In this highly competitive world where resources are dwindling in comparison with escalating population figures, only those countries stand a chance of survival that will emulate the Chinese model of food security and autarky; this stark reality has now dawned upon the world. Despite this, only China has taken practical, vigorous steps in proportion with the ever-growing human needs to achieve the targets faster than other countries of the world. In fact, China of today has worked wonders in agricultural sciences, side by side with its marvellous successes on the economic and science and technology fronts. And now, China is also a proud entrant in space sciences, having sent its first lady astronaut in space.
In the area of agriculture, full attention is being given to this crucial most dimension of economy. It is Beijing’s number one priority. Obviously, China has to cater to the needs of its 1.3 billion population that is no small a target at all. In this realm, it is a very fortunate country being blessed with scientists of world fame. These scientists are pioneers of hybrid technology, as they have carried out experiments and produced hybrid seeds of three very crucial crops that include wheat, rice and rapeseed. This scribe is lucky enough to meet some of these renowned scientists during a recent visit to China’s Hunan province. It is home to the visionary of universal fame, Mao Zedong.
Our five-member delegation comprised print and electronic media persons from Pakistan. We were also provided an opportunity to visit the farms where weather-resistant and pest-resistant crops were being sown. And it left smiles on the face of Chinese officials when they were told by Pakistani delegates that rapeseed leaves and stems were cooked in Pakistan and eaten as the most cherished and nourishing food, along with lassi and maize bread (surson ka saag and makai ki roti). The results of Chinese scientists’ efforts are very much there before us. China is producing two crops of rice a year as compared with many other countries’ (including Pakistan) one rice crop a year. The hybrid crops being produced are also going to equip China with surplus agricultural produce to further boost its economy and GDP growth rate.
After having visited a number of areas inside China apart from meeting their knowledgeable scientists and officials, one can easily proffer an advice: if any nation wants to attain food security and autarky, it must adopt the look China policy. It was heartening to know from senior Chinese functionaries and scientists that Pakistan’s President Asif Zardari had been evincing keen interest in China’s hybrid seed technology. This interest must be translated into practical application in our agricultural fields, since China is quite eager to transfer technology and extend assistance to its Pakistani brethren on urgent footing. One private sector group co-owned by FPCCI’s senior office-bearer, Iftikhar Ali Malik and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s former chief, is already in collaboration with Chinese companies in the production of high-yield seeds, mainly rice.
In Hunan province’s Changsha city, we had very good exchanges of views with officials from Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Hunan Provincial People’s Government that included their Deputy Director General Fu Huaxing and Director Ge Yiqiang.
And it was yet another good experience for us to visit the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region where more than 45 percent of the local populace professes Islam. However, despite the fact that several nationalities inhabit this region, the overall atmosphere is of peace, social equilibrium and tranquillity. There are no Lyari-type or Sohrab Goth-type gang wars in China or in Xingjiang. Perhaps, all the classes and nationalities living in China have learnt the lesson of peaceful coexistence, which is yet another trait worth emulation.
Mr Zhang Xiaodi, the Deputy Director General of Xinjiang’s Foreign Affairs Office, was quite an experienced person, who has already paid seven visits to different Pakistani cities. He knew a lot about Pakistan, Pakistanis and even about our climatic and socio-cultural conditions. Throwing a banquet for us, he and his colleagues, including Madam Fu Yunyan, the Vice Director, on the eve of the Year of Dragon (that marks the beginning of Chinese lunar year), they discussed at length all global, regional and literary issues and enjoyed our pleasantries as well. And when we told them that we are well aware of the old Chinese philosopher, Confucius, and his philosophy that is a source of inspiration in our prime administrative systems as well, they were really delighted.
Another good impression that we could gather from our visit was a briefing by Shadiya Ablahat, Assistant Director of China-Eurasia Expo Secretariat. That the People’s Republic of China, especially its Xingjiang region, is fast becoming a hub of global economy amazed us very much. Delegates and businessmen from as many as 32 countries participated in the first China-Eurasia Expo. The second one is now scheduled to be held in the same area, i.e. Xingjiang, in September next. And it heralds the advent of an international economic goodwill a la China.
Before concluding, it would be in the fitness of things to mention a few words about the nice and kind gestures of China’s Metallurgical Corporation that has already succeeded in extracting around 140,000 tonnes of copper from their Pakistani project. More work is in full swing on Saindak mines, in addition to the lead and zinc extraction project that China is handling with skill and sincerity. Our own Embassy did not lag behind others in goodwill gestures. In Beijing, Ambassador Masood Khan held a dinner reception for his compatriots. Other Embassy seniors, including Deputy Head of Mission Zahoor Ahmad and Press Attache Daniyal Gilani followed the Ambassador in hospitality. The dinner was not confined merely to good Pakistani food. We also got good food for thought during our discussions with Ambassador Khan, who narrated us some episodes of the Chinese struggle for success.
Reproducing his in-depth study of the Chinese society, Ambassador Khan said that the whole nation is full of zeal and they believe that the power of an individual should never be underestimated. It is their firm belief that every individual is important and that in order to fight drought, you have to become the first drop of rain.
It is now a very much known fact that the Chinese have evolved a vision of their own, after having experimented on a few foreign models (especially Russian) in the beginning. And that has worked well, since it has brought the Chinese true independence and complete sense of pride. They believe there is no shortcut in life or in trials of life. Success has to be earned!
The writer is a freelance columnist.
Email: mianrehman1@gmail.com