Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikander Hayat Bosan has said Pakistan is exporting many agricultural products like rice, cotton, wheat, mango and citrus. 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 the 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," Bosan said. He further said they were also focusing on crops diversification, efficient utilization of water and promotion of high value crops to uplift the livelihood of our farmers as well, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.
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 had a vast market in Central Asia and Middle East. He further added that Pakistan produced seven millions tons of rice. "The three 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."
Eamonn O Shaunessy highlighted that New Zealand believes in eco agriculture and cooperate with Pakistan in this sector. He further highlighted that New Zealand is providing PHDs scholarships to Pakistani students in agriculture sectors.-PR