Minister for National Food Security and Research, Sikandar Hayat Khan Wednesday assured the full support of the government to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in improving the agricultural sector and eradication of pests and diseases of agro related commodities and livestock.
The minister was talking to Director General FAO, Dr Jose Graziano da Silva here in a meeting which was also attended by ministers and representatives of food and agriculture ministries of all provinces of the country. Bosan warmly welcomed the DG FAO and thanked him for a detailed deliberation on the very important sector that share common grunts with the rest of the world.
DG FAO of the United Nations discussed in detail crop production and demand-supply trends all over the world and explained the issues at hand that are common to all farmers and agriculture sector globally. The major contributions made by FAO in Pakistan over the few years include achieving Avian Influenza free status since 2008 and establishing National Reference Laboratory for Poultry Diseases (NRLPD), which is as hub lab for SAARC countries; helping in the eradication of Rinder Pest-fatal disease of cattle since 2007; continuous support for control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) of cattle & buffalo, and Peste Des Petit Ruminants (PPR) of sheep & goats; supporting implementation of Pesticide Policy Analysis and Farmer Field School approach for quality production and environmental benefits; implementing community based development initiatives for alleviating poverty and ensuring food security; and supporting relief and rehabilitation activities in emergencies were especially mentioned.
Federal Minister for NFSR also requested further technical support from DG FAO in strengthening the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of Pakistan; value addition and reducing post harvest losses in fruits and vegetables; because unavailability of handling, processing, transportation, and packaging technologies results in about 20-30 percent post harvest losses in these crops; exploiting genetic potential of local fish species (Rohu (Labeo rohita), Thaila (Catla catla), Mori (Cirrhina mrigale), and their value addition; developing thermo-stable vaccines for control of trans-boundary animal diseases in Pakistan; conservation and improvement of Farm Animal Genetic Resources; and research on climate change impacts and mitigation.
The DG FAO was also briefed on several success stories from Pakistan under the current Government agro friendly policies. One of the examples shared was of livestock uplift and eradicating various deadly animal diseases.
The DG FAO was more than happy to receive such a warm welcome in Pakistan with especially with the efforts of FAO in Pakistan in variety of sectors. While appreciating the efforts for solving core issues in agro and livestock sectors, DG FAO also highlighted the benefit and importance of having a unified national policy.
He said that it is a big challenge for the country to develop, implement and make it a success story through efficient co-ordination among the provinces. He was of the view that zero hunger programme for the poor faction of the country is multifaceted. While looking forward to establish national policy, we also need to produce more agro products to meet the food demand. The DG FAO also suggested bringing all stakeholders, private sector and civil society on board for uplift of agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors.
Kashmir issue was also brought into discussion. The atrocities of Indian forces on unarmed innocent civilians of Kashmir were strongly condemned and it was agreed that international community must intervene to stop this heinous human crime in occupied Kashmir.
Later on, during his meeting with the Federal Minister Planning, Development and Reforms (PDR) Professor Ahsan Iqbal, the DG FAO emphasised on the nutritional value of the agro products. He insisted on providing for national and international donors to support agriculture and livestock related research and production of better nutritious crops. Ahsan agreed to the issues mentioned by DG FAO and also appreciated the offer made by DG FAO and all the participants of the meeting agreed to join hands on solving core issues discussed in detail.
During his meeting in the Ministry of Ports & Shipping, the major stakeholder of fisheries, it was brought to his knowledge that Pakistan has a long coastal area of 1001 km. But unfortunately it is under-developed. The DG FAO was requested to look into this issue also. The DG FAO agreed to support all and any kind of technical training and capacity building in Pakistan to solve these issues. He also appreciated the concern of Pakistan ports and shipping in development of the ports and other relevant sectors and ensured his help whenever needed and possible. 0.8 percent contribution from fisheries sector to Pakistan GDP is very low, especially when having a 1001 km long coastal line. .-PR