ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday lauded China for being a role model for developing countries in poverty alleviation as its stellar growth has brought 800 million people out of poverty over the past four decades.
In a video message at the Forum on the 20th Anniversary of Junsao Assistance and Sustainable Development Cooperation 2021, Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated China for hosting this event and hailed the efforts of Professor Lin Zhanxi for the invention of Junsao technology.
“I also commend China for sharing this beneficial technology with over 100 countries, which has already benefited thousands of people across the continents over the past 20 years,” said the premier.
Addressing Chinese President Xi Jinping, Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres and others, PM Imran said that the world at large, and the people of the Global South in particular, are grappling with multiple challenges, including climate change, poverty, and food insecurity.
Juncao, which is famed as “magic grass,” is two Chinese characters meaning “mushroom” and “grass.” The particular breed of grass was discovered by Chinese scientists to be an economical and environment-friendly substitute for timber traditionally used as a substrate for growing mushrooms. Juncao technology has now been disseminated to 106 countries through training programs or on-site demonstrations.
“With relentless efforts towards ending poverty in all its manifestations, extreme poverty had been steadily declining in the past two decades. However, the Covid-19 pandemic triggered an economic meltdown which has slowed down global progress. The extreme poverty rose in 2020 for the first time in over 20 years,” he said.
He said that the achievement of food security, and improved nutrition, have become an even greater challenge for developing countries.
“Sustainable ways of achieving economic recovery, growth, and development are critical, during the pandemic. Juncao technology is one such way. It helps small-scale farmers to develop low-cost, commercial-scale mushroom cultivation. In addition, it also helps in combating desertification and can be used as food for livestock, as it is protein-rich,” he added.
Imran Khan commended President Xi’s vision of a “prosperous, clean, and beautiful world” and initiative to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
“Poverty alleviation and tackling climate change are my government’s key priorities. We launched a wide-ranging social safety program called ‘Ehsaas’, with the objective of uplifting marginalized people, eradicating poverty, and supporting vulnerable households,” he said.
Khan said as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, Pakistan fully supports international efforts to combat this scourge.
“Under a well-articulated climate change and environmental agenda, consisting of a number of flagship green initiatives, we are progressing towards a Clean and Green Pakistan. As part of one of the most ambitious efforts to expand and restore forests – we have already planted a billion trees as part of our 10 Billion Tree Project,” he added.
In his message, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Juncao technology has facilitated the efficient use of three major agricultural resources – light, heat, and water – and realized the recycling of plant, animal, and fungal materials, benefiting ecological, food, and energy security.
Xi said he has paid close attention to international cooperation on Juncao technology for a long time.
“Since China built the first overseas demonstration base for Juncao technology in Papua New Guinea in 2001, the technology has been introduced to more than 100 countries, playing an important role in alleviating poverty, creating jobs, promoting the use of renewable energy, addressing climate change and improving people’s welfare,” he noted.
China stands ready to work with relevant parties to make further contributions to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said, expressing hope that Juncao technology will bring more benefits to people in developing countries.
The forum was co-hosted by the China International Development Cooperation Agency and the Fujian provincial government.
