Pakistan and Korea Join Hands to Establish Seed Potato Centre at PARC to Cut Imports and Boost Local Production

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a detailed briefing session with the visiting research team of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). The delegation presented the feasibility study for the proposed project Establishment of Seed Potato Production and Supply Centre (SPPSC) at PARC, Islamabad.

During the meeting, the Minister welcomed the delegation and appreciated KOICA’s continued commitment to Pakistan’s agricultural development, describing the proposed project as a timely and transformational initiative for the country’s potato sector.

Reducing Import Dependence and Boosting Local Production

Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Pakistan:

"Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported seed potatoes—despite our massive cultivation area and high demand—remains a critical challenge that must be addressed through technology and collaboration. The SPPSC project will significantly reduce import dependency and help Pakistan achieve self-sufficiency in high-quality seed production."

"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."

"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’s Expertise and Support for Sustainable Seed Production

Sharing the delegation’s perspective, Director KOICA, Mr. Je Ho Yeon, expressed high regard for Pakistan’s ongoing efforts in seed potato research at PARC.

Mr. Je Ho Yeon, Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA):

"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."

"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."

"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."

Project Impact and Future Prospects

The Minister expressed gratitude for the delegation’s forward-looking vision and said that Pakistan welcomes such partnerships that bring technology, knowledge, and innovation directly to farmers. He noted that the Government attaches great importance to science-driven agriculture and believes that the SPPSC will serve as a flagship facility for virus-free seed production, advanced laboratories, screen houses, aeroponics units, and cold-storage infrastructure.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chairs a comprehensive briefing session with KOICA Director Mr. Je Ho Yeon and the visiting research delegation on the proposed Seed Potato Production and Supply Centre (SPPSC) at PARC, Islamabad.

Rana Tanveer Hussain added that the success of this project would not only reduce seed costs for growers but also uplift rural incomes and strengthen national food security. The meeting concluded with both sides expressing confidence that Pakistan–Korea agricultural cooperation will continue to grow and deliver impactful results in the years ahead.

Back in 2023, an earlier report highlighted Pakistan–Korea collaboration to develop an aeroponic seed-potato production system at NARC, aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imported seed potatoes. The initiative, titled Pakistan and Korea Collaborate on Aeroponic Technology for Seed Potato Production to Reduce Import Costs outlined a long-term vision for modernizing seed systems and lowering production expenses. Now, with the feasibility study for the SPPSC project completed, the vision described then is closer than ever to becoming a reality.