LAHORE: Punjab University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Wuhan University, China, to establish a hybrid rice research center within the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences' Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics. The collaboration aims to develop climate-resilient hybrid rice varieties, enhancing scientific ties between Pakistan and China.

According to University of the Punjab, the agreement was facilitated by officials from both universities, including PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali and Wuhan University President Prof. Yuan Yufeng. The initiative seeks to boost productivity and resilience in hybrid rice, foster student and faculty exchanges, and promote technology transfer under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative. The collaboration addresses issues such as hunger, health, education, and sustainable agriculture practices. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali described the partnership as transformative for Pakistan's agricultural sector, underlining the role of universities in national development.