Pakistan, Iran to boost agricultural ties as Tehran plans to import 350,000 livestock

November 04, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen collaboration in agriculture, food security, and trade, with Tehran planning to import 350,000 livestock from Pakistan as part of expanded bilateral cooperation.

The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moqaddam, said a press release issued today.

The discussion focused on exploring new avenues for agricultural trade and technological collaboration between the two neighboring countries.

The Iranian Ambassador conveyed an invitation from Iran’s Minister of Agriculture Jihad for Rana Tanveer Hussain to attend the forthcoming ECO Summit on February 17, 2025. He expressed Iran’s strong interest in broadening agricultural trade, highlighting opportunities in livestock, crops, and food processing.

Ambassador Moqaddam noted that progress on rice export agreements is advancing well, with purchase arrangements expected to be finalized soon.

He further stated that wheat imports from Pakistan have already begun and that Iran is ready to import maize and fodder in whatever quantities Pakistan can provide. He also said the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture Jihad looks forward to hosting a Pakistani delegation to further strengthen agricultural cooperation and finalize joint projects.

Both sides acknowledged that their similar agro-climatic conditions create a strong foundation for collaboration in agricultural research, seed development, and technology transfer. Iran expressed interest in joint ventures related to modern irrigation systems, drought-resistant crop varieties, and organic farming, along with training and capacity-building programs for agricultural scientists and technical experts.

Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain appreciated Iran’s commitment to deepening agricultural ties and welcomed the proposal for extra-territorial cultivation on Pakistani soil, emphasizing Pakistan’s openness to innovative and sustainable farming partnerships.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to achieving $10 billion in bilateral trade with Iran, the Minister highlighted Pakistan’s high-quality agricultural products such as rice, maize, and fodder and their cost advantage due to geographical proximity.

Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and promoting regional economic prosperity through continued cooperation and mutual trust.

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