Pakistan, Russia explore cooperation in seeds, crop protection

October 07, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan, Russia explored practical cooperation in seed development, crop protection, pesticides, micronutrients, advanced fertilisers, agricultural research, technology transfer and investment, with Islamabad pressing for collaboration that goes beyond imports of finished products to include local production, joint research and capacity building.

The discussions took place when Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain met a delegation of Russian agricultural and agrochemical company Schelkovo Agrohim.

The Second Secretary and other officials of the Russian Embassy accompanied the delegation, said a press release issued.

Rana Tanveer said Pakistan wants cooperation that leads to technology transfer, local production, joint research, breeding programmes and training of Pakistani experts.

He said the country needs advanced technologies and seeds that raise productivity while standing up better to drought, disease, pests and climatic stress.

He added that climate change is a growing threat to farm output, so climate-resilient technologies, drought-tolerant seeds and disease-resistant varieties are being given priority.

The Russian side briefed the minister on the company's pesticides, advanced pesticide formulations, micronutrients, micro-fertilisers, biological products and high-quality seeds.

It also presented its research and production capabilities in seeds and hybrids of wheat, maize, sugar beet, rapeseed/canola and sorghum, and said its maize seeds are non-GMO.

The meeting identified pest and disease management in cotton, rice, sugarcane and vegetables as key areas for cooperation.

It also covered micronutrients and alternative plant nutrition solutions that could improve nutrient-use efficiency and possibly reduce reliance on conventional fertilisers, particularly phosphorus fertilisers and DAP.

On seeds, Pakistani officials said future collaboration should not be limited to imports of finished seed. They suggested access to suitable Russian germplasm, joint breeding programmes, technology transfer, seed traceability, local seed multiplication, and a Russian seed company or partnership in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) were proposed as key platforms for scientific evaluation of Russian technologies under local conditions. The minister stressed that any new technology or product must be assessed under Pakistan's climatic, agronomic and soil conditions before wider introduction.

The two sides also discussed field trials of Russian seeds and pesticide products. With the wheat sowing season approaching, they proposed early provision of suitable Russian wheat seed material for trials to assess yield potential, local adaptability, resistance to pests and diseases, and performance across Pakistan's varied climate. Cooperation in hybrid wheat and other advanced seed technologies was also discussed.

On pesticides, the meeting was told the Russian delegation had already held talks with the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), where it was briefed on Pakistan's registration procedures, testing requirements, required studies and other regulatory rules.

The availability and possible setting up of internationally accredited testing laboratories in Pakistan were also discussed.

The minister assured the company that the government would facilitate business-to-business matchmaking with potential Pakistani partners.

Cooperation models discussed included local distribution arrangements, joint ventures, public-private partnerships, local seed production, research and development, and the setting up of a Russian agricultural input or seed company in Pakistan.

Rana Tanveer said Pakistan wants to diversify its sources of agricultural technology, seeds and inputs.

If Russian products prove scientifically effective under local conditions and commercially competitive, he said, they could find significant opportunities in Pakistan's large agricultural market.

He added that the government would welcome Russian investment, local manufacturing, research collaboration, technology transfer and long-term business partnerships.

Both sides also considered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Letter of Intent (LoI) to formalise future cooperation.

The meeting agreed to advance technical and regulatory engagement, facilitate local testing of suitable Russian products and seed varieties, identify potential business partners, and explore viable research and investment projects.

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