Hunger breeds discontent. The common greeting in Sindhi language is have you eaten? This question reflects the social reality of the time. But nowadays people are seen and heard dying of hunger in the wake of devastating floods in Sindh and also lack of attention to our agricultural sector. Pakistan must learn a lesson from its time-tested friend China which through land reforms and proper application of science and technology, represented by hybrid rice, has successfully taken control over food shortages and solved the issue of feeding 1.3 billion people. Now, China is not only self-sufficient, but also is a big exporter of rice. Water-saving agriculture and the agricultural products of high quality can provide a reference for China. China and Pakistan can be partners in the field. This is the definite time to gain from Chinese experience, expertise and wisdom. Any delay in this domain is indeed dangerous for the country. HASHIM ABRO, December 29.