Pakistan and US Bolster Agricultural Research Partnership

Pakistan and the United States have reached an agreement to deepen their collaboration in the agriculture sector. The focus of this collaboration is on joint research into hybrid and disease-resistant crops, local vaccine production, and livestock breed improvement. This initiative aims to boost productivity and exports, as confirmed by Pakistan’s food security ministry.

The meeting, held in Islamabad between Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and Acting US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker, reviewed ongoing projects and set future priorities. Key areas of discussion included advancing bilateral cooperation in agricultural trade, technology transfer, and research partnerships under existing Pak-US agricultural frameworks.

Minister Hussain emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to a resilient and technology-driven agriculture sector, highlighting the importance of the partnership with the United States for innovation and trade. He also noted Pakistan's role as a significant importer of Holstein cows and the efforts to enhance animal health through initiatives like the Foot and Mouth Disease-free zone in Bahawalpur.

The US expressed interest in supporting genetic improvement programs for dairy and beef cattle to bolster export competitiveness. US-funded programs such as the Agricultural Linkages Program and the Wheat Productivity Enhancement Project have already contributed significantly to the country's agricultural resilience, with the latter helping develop 36 improved wheat varieties.

Further cooperation is expected in precision agriculture, digital farming, and compliance mechanisms for the export of mangoes and other horticultural products to the US.