KOPIA Pakistan Center and Aeroponic Potato Seed Production System Inaugurated at NARC

In Islamabad, Pakistan, opening ceremonies were held for KOPIA Pakistan Center and Aeroponic Potato Seed Production System was held at NARC, with Syed Fakhar Imam, Federal Minister of M/o NFS&R, as the main guest.

Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan, President of PARC, SUH SangPyo, Ambassador of Korea, Dr. Chu Gyong-rae, Director of KOPIA Center Pakistan, Dr. HUR Taewoong, Administrator of Korea Rural Development Administration, also participated in the ‘event.

Syed Fakhar Imam, Federal Minister of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR):

“The Kopia Center’s cooperation projects and activities include technology development projects related to agriculture and livestock that aim to increase the incomes of smallholder farming households.”

“Kopia would help in exchange for research materials, publications and technical information, in addition to the technology development activities of Korean experts and scientists to promote and develop the local agricultural sector.”

Mr. Jamshed Iqbal Cheema SAPM:

“Pakistan imports about $120 million worth of seed potatoes every year for the cultivation of 15,000 acres. Through the use of aeroponic technology, not only will we replace the import bill, but we will also be able to produce high quality seed potatoes locally.

He further said that this cooperation will help increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, initiate on-farm processing, develop human resources and create immense job opportunities.

Korean Ambassador SUH SangPyo:

“The establishment of the KOPIA Center will serve as a cornerstone for the modernization of Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Bilateral cooperation will improve crop productivity, reduce production costs and improve production efficiency.”

Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan President PARC:

“I highly appreciate the Korean delegate from KOPIA for his visit in this COVID scenario. Korea is very technologically developed in the agricultural sector and thanks to this agreement, we have the opportunity to share this knowledge and technology. This is just a new start to harness the potential of crops, livestock and agricultural machinery.”

Dr. Chu Gyong-rae, Director of KOPIA Pakistan Center, said in this regard that Korea has introduced aeroponic technology for seed production of different crops, especially potato.

Dr. Chu Gyong-rae:

“We are expanding cooperation in the field of machinery and vegetable seed production. The Prime Minister appreciated Korea’s cooperation and especially the efforts of the Rural Development Administration, Korea.”