Page 16 - Yunnan Tourism Culture Times (97)

15 China·South Asia
Shahzad Munir: I am a “citrus doctor”
Shahzad Munir, a Paki-
stani expert, is committed to
studying and tackling the chal-
lenges posed by Huanglongbing
(HLB), a devastating citrus disease.
In 2019, Shahzad completed his
Ph.D. at the College of Plant Protec-
tion, Yunnan Agricultural University,
under the guidance of Professor
He Yueqiu. Currently, he leads a re-
search group focused on advancing
the field of biological control in plant
disease management.
谢扎德 ·缪纳尔是来自巴基斯坦的
柑橘黄龙病专家。2019 年，谢扎德毕业
于云南农业大学植物保护学院，获得博士
学位。目前，他在云南农业大学从事植物
病理学研究。
谢扎德： “小而美”汇成“大民生”
“小而美”汇成“大民生”
我是一名“柑橘医生”
By Mo Yingyi, photos provided by the interviewee □ 莫颖艺 / 文 受访者 / 图
In 2015, Shahzad initiated his scien- of western Yunnan. His dedication oped a strong bond, sharing weal and woe.
tific research on Huanglongbing (HLB) and patience have earned him great The enduring friendship between the two
in the citrus industry, specifically in admiration from the local farmers, who nations is deeply embedded in the hearts of
Yunnan. He chose Yunnan Agricultural rarely encounter such a committed for- their people. There has been significant col-
University because it is recognized as eign expert. Shahzad believes that an laboration in agricultural research between
one of the top 10 institutions for plant exceptional scientist should not confine the two countries. Moving forward, I am
protection in China. Leading the re- themselves to the laboratory but should enthusiastic about bringing the knowledge
also actively engage in field trips to as-
search group is Professor He Yueqiu, a
and technological advancements I gained
globally respected figure in the field of sist farmers and contribute to practical in Yunnan to Pakistan. This will contribute
plant protection. solutions in agriculture. to enhancing scientific research coopera-
Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly Shahzad acknowledges that his tion between the two nations and promote
referred to as citrus greening, was first academic achievements were made sustainable agricultural development,” said
identified in China in 1919. This dis- possible through the support of Chi- Shahzad.
na’s foreign talent program. This pro-
Shahzad spends most of his free time
ease poses a significant threat to the ci-
triculture sector, which relies on citrus gram provides substantial scientific in Kunming, where he learns the Chinese
species for their immense economic research funding opportunities for language and finds solace in the city’s vi-
value. Scientists from around the world young scientists to undertake vari- brant atmosphere. He has been studying
are actively engaged in researching ous research activities. Additionally, Chinese, and the life in Kunming makes
and developing biocontrol mechanisms Yunnan Agricultural University’s him relaxed. “When I explore new places,
that utilize endophytes to combat HLB research funds, along with national I make it a point to savor the local cuisine.
in citrus plants. The outcomes of their and provincial funding, including Some of my all-time favorites are hot pot,
dedicated efforts hold tremendous eco- other scientific awards, have played a rice noodles, and fried dumplings. I am ea-
nomic significance. crucial role in encouraging his explo- ger to extend my stay and contribute to the
Over the past eight years, Shahzad ration and contributions in the field citrus farmers’ efforts in managing HLB
has been actively sharing his knowl- of plant pathology. disease. My aim is to assist not only in the
edge on HLB prevention with citrus “It has been 73 years since Pakistan citrus-growing areas of Yunnan Province
farmers in Binchuan County, located and China established diplomatic re- but also in other regions across China on a
in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture lations. The two countries have devel- larger scale,” he said.