His Excellency Mr.Emmon O
Shaunessy, High Commissioner for New Zealand resident in Tehran paid a courtesy
call to Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikander Hayat
Bosan at Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
“There
is a huge potential for development of our agriculture sector and its sub
sectors particularly livestock and dairy have shown remarkable growth over the
years.” Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikander Hayat
Bosan. He further highlighted we are also focusing on crops diversification,
efficient utilization of water and promotion of high value crops to uplift the
livelihood of our farmers as well. He also told the delegation that Pakistan is
one of the country largest producing milk. We have significant investment in
milk processing in Pakistan through companies like Nestle, Engro etc. For new
comers in the Pakistani market, mechanisms are already well established. He
also informed that Halal food processed in Pakistan has a vast market in
Central Asia and Middle East. He further added that Pakistan produces 7
millions tons of rice. The 3 millions tons are sufficient for national
requirements and rest is exported to other countries in last four five years.
Similarly Pakistan has surplus of wheat, cotton, mangoes and citrus and plays
an important role in Pakistani exports.
His
Excellency Mr. Eamonn O Shaunessy highlighted that New Zealand believes in eco
agriculture and cooperate with Pakistan in this sector .H.E further highlighted
that New Zealand is providing PHDs Scholarships to Pakistani students in
agriculture sectors
Both
sides agreed to explore areas of mutual cooperation in the agricultural field.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Ministry of National Food Security and
Research, Director General Plant Protection and other officials of Ministry of
National Food Security and Research.
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