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.
Rana Tanveer Hussain said that Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported seed potatoes—despite its massive cultivation area and high demand—remains a critical challenge that must be addressed through technology and collaboration. He emphasized that the SPPSC project would significantly reduce import dependency and help Pakistan achieve self-sufficiency in high-quality seed production. The Minister added that Korea’s leadership in aeroponics and tissue culture technology offers Pakistan a unique opportunity to modernize its seed systems, enhance productivity by up to 20 percent, and expand access to virus-free certified seed for more than 100,000 farmers. He assured the delegation that the Government is fully committed to facilitating the early approval and implementation of the project, as it directly aligns with national priorities of food security and agricultural modernization.
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. He said that Korea values its partnership with Pakistan and considers the proposed project a model initiative for long-term agricultural cooperation between the two countries. Mr. Yeon highlighted that Korea has achieved global success in seed potato production through aeroponics and advanced cold-chain systems, and KOICA is ready to transfer this expertise to Pakistan on a large scale. He stated that the project will not only strengthen local seed production but also build institutional capacity through modern training programs, ERP-based traceability, and postharvest management systems. He reaffirmed KOICA’s full support in ensuring that Pakistan develops a sustainable, high-tech seed potato production system.
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. 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.
