Pakistan, Australia expand agricultural ties to address food security

January 23, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Australia have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture and livestock, focusing on boosting productivity, improving market access, strengthening biosecurity, and expanding technical collaboration to address shared food security challenges.

The understanding covers collaboration on crop yields, livestock development, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) control, horticulture exports particularly mangoes and regular technical exchanges to enhance capacity and competitiveness, according to a press release issued.

The agreement emerged from a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain with Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Mr. Timothy Kane, held on the instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, the Livestock Commissioner, and senior officials from relevant departments.

During the discussions, the federal minister highlighted agriculture’s central role in Pakistan’s economy, noting that about 65% of the population is linked to the sector and 36% of employment depends on it, with livestock contributing nearly 60% of agricultural value.

He outlined key challenges, including low productivity, the need for FMD-free zones, and improving animal weight and yields.

He informed participants that the government has allocated Rs 7.35bn over two years for FMD control, initiated free compartments, and is importing vaccines from Russia and China.

Rana Tanveer Hussain also pointed to Pakistan’s comparatively lower crop yields around 30 maunds per acre versus 45 in India and expressed interest in leveraging Australian expertise to close the gap.

On horticulture, he said Pakistan aims to increase mango exports to Australia and is ready to address outstanding technical and regulatory requirements.

He shared the formation of a dedicated working group under his leadership to ensure follow-up, with both sides nominating focal persons and holding two to three meetings annually.

Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane reaffirmed Australia’s strong partnership with Pakistan, acknowledged its agricultural potential, and said Australia is digitizing phytosanitary and regulatory processes.

He welcomed technical exchanges and training for Pakistani officials and cited Brazil’s food security model as a useful reference.

Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar emphasized Australia’s success in achieving high yields with efficient water use and highlighted ongoing reforms in Pakistan, including deregulation in the sugar sector.

He underscored the need for new livestock breeds, certified slaughterhouses, and value addition, proposing a Pakistani delegation’s visit to Australia to observe modern livestock and meat export facilities.

The Livestock Commissioner noted that several Australian-supported projects are already underway in dairy development, breed improvement, rangeland management, and capacity building, adding that closer collaboration could significantly enhance productivity and export potential.

Both sides concluded by agreeing to intensify technical collaboration, improve market access, maintain regular engagement, and build capacity for mutual benefit and stronger regional food security.

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