Pakistan and Korea advance plans for new seed potato centre at PARC
Pakistan moves closer to cutting seed potato imports as officials review a major Korea-backed project.
PAKISTAN – Federal officials and a visiting Korea International Cooperation Agency team met in Islamabad to review a new plan that aims to raise local seed potato production and cut costly imports.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain welcomed the KOICA team at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council offices. He praised the detailed feasibility study for the planned Seed Potato Production and Supply Centre.
He noted that Pakistan needs stronger systems because the country still depends on imported seed potatoes, which strain growers.
The Minister spoke openly about this need. “Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported seed potatoes, despite our massive cultivation area and high demand, remains a critical challenge that we must address through technology and collaboration. The SPPSC project will significantly reduce import dependency and help Pakistan achieve self-sufficiency in high-quality seed production.”
He stressed that modern systems can help farmers earn more. “Korea’s leadership in aeroponics and tissue culture technology offers Pakistan a unique opportunity to modernize our seed systems, enhance productivity by up to 20 percent, and expand access to virus-free certified seed for more than 100,000 farmers.”
He added that the Government supports quick approval. “The Government is fully committed to facilitating the early approval and implementation of this project, as it directly aligns with our national priorities of food security and agricultural modernization.”
KOICA outlines technical support
KOICA Director Je Ho Yeon appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing work in seed potato research at PARC. He shared Korea’s view of the project. “Pakistan’s ongoing efforts in seed potato research at PARC are highly commendable. Korea deeply values its partnership with Pakistan and views this proposed project as a model initiative for long-term agricultural cooperation between our two countries.”
He explained how Korea built a strong seed potato system. “Korea has achieved global success in seed potato production through aeroponics and advanced cold-chain systems, and KOICA is fully prepared to transfer this expertise to Pakistan on a large scale.”
He noted that the centre can support farmers and research teams. “This project will not only strengthen local seed production but also build institutional capacity through modern training programs, ERP-based traceability, and postharvest management systems. KOICA reaffirms its full support to ensure that Pakistan develops a sustainable, high-tech seed potato production system.”
Impact on farmers and future cooperation
The Minister said that the project aligns with national goals. He highlighted that Pakistan values partnerships that bring science-driven solutions to farmers. He believes the centre will include modern labs, screen houses, aeroponics units, and cold storage, all of which can help farmers grow healthier crops at a lower cost.
He noted that success will benefit rural families. He said that lower seed costs can improve incomes and help strengthen food security. Both teams closed the meeting with confidence in stronger Pakistan–Korea cooperation.
In 2023, an earlier report showed the two countries already working together on an aeroponic seed potato system at NARC. That effort aimed to cut import spending, which can reach well above 17 million Pakistani rupees (approx US$61,000) each season. The new feasibility study now brings that earlier plan closer to full implementation.
This latest step signals a clear move toward better local seed systems and greater support for farmers across Pakistan.
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