China To Help Pakistan Build Modern Grain Storage System To Boost Food Security

China to Help Pakistan Build Modern Grain Storage System to Boost Food Security
ISLAMABAD — In a major step toward strengthening national food security and upgrading agricultural supply chains, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that China will assist Pakistan in converting its traditional grain storage infrastructure into modern, environmentally friendly “green silo” systems. The initiative aims to dramatically reduce post-harvest grain losses, preserve food quality, and establish technological self-reliance across Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office with a delegation from FAMSUN, a leading Chinese agricultural technology and engineering corporation led by its Chief Executive Officer, Jack Chen. The meeting was attended by key cabinet members, including Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani.
Transforming Traditional Warehouses into High-Tech Green Silos
Pakistan’s traditional grain storage methods—often relying on open-air concrete godowns and brick structures—suffer heavily from environmental exposure, pest infestations, and moisture damage. Estimates suggest that post-harvest losses in major staple crops like wheat and rice cost the national economy billions of rupees annually.
Under the new collaboration, Chinese agri-tech specialists will work alongside Pakistani authorities to transition conventional facilities into state-of-the-art green silos:
Temperature and Humidity Control: Automated sensors and ventilation systems will regulate internal microclimates, preventing crop spoilage and mold growth without heavy chemical treatment.
Demonstration Center for Green Silos: FAMSUN will establish a flagship demonstration center in Pakistan to showcase cutting-edge storage technologies and train local engineers.
Eco-Friendly Construction: The new silo designs prioritize low-energy operations, reduced carbon footprints, and long-term grain preservation.
Institutional Alignment: FAMSUN has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Green Pakistan Initiative to coordinate nationwide deployment and integration with corporate farming projects.
Emphasis on Workforce Development and Technology Transfer
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the investment proposal, highlighting that business-to-business (B2B) partnerships are essential for deepening the enduring strategic ties between Pakistan and China.
However, the Prime Minister firmly instructed that local human resource development must remain a central pillar of the agreement.
“Advanced technology transfer and comprehensive skills training for Pakistani workers must be built directly into these projects. Building local technical expertise ensures that our domestic workforce can independently manage, maintain, and expand modern agricultural infrastructure in the years to come,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized.
In response, FAMSUN CEO Jack Chen expressed gratitude for the government’s support, recalling that discussions began during PM Shehbaz’s recent official visit to China. He reaffirmed his company’s commitment to delivering complete technical assistance, training programs, and customized engineering solutions tailored to Pakistan’s local agricultural demands.
Strategic Impact on National Food Security and the Economy
The modernization of Pakistan’s grain storage ecosystem carries far-reaching economic benefits beyond physical infrastructure:
Price Stabilization: Efficient, long-term grain storage allows government procurement agencies to hold strategic grain reserves safely, insulating local markets from seasonal price spikes and global commodity shocks.
Export Quality Standards: By preserving grain quality according to international phytosanitary standards, Pakistani wheat, corn, and rice producers will gain better access to high-value export markets.
Synergy with CPEC Phase II: The project aligns seamlessly with the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which places heavy focus on industrialization, modern agriculture, and technology transfer.