Pakistan, Russia eye closer cooperation in agriculture, livestock

August 11, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Russia have agreed to explore expanded bilateral cooperation in agriculture and livestock, with a focus on farm machinery, fertilizers, pesticides and animal vaccines.

The agreement came during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Nikita Buzanov, Representative of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, where both sides discussed avenues for strengthening ties in sectors linked to food security and agricultural productivity, according to the press release.

Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the importance of strengthening Pakistan-Russia cooperation in agriculture and welcomed Russia's interest in supporting Pakistan's agricultural development through enhanced trade, technology and technical cooperation.

He said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the Russian Federation and is keen to translate bilateral ties into practical cooperation in sectors directly linked with food security and agricultural productivity.

The Minister emphasized that access to modern and efficient agricultural machinery is essential for improving farm productivity, reducing production costs and promoting mechanization in Pakistan's agriculture sector, and expressed Pakistan's interest in greater cooperation with Russia in the provision of modern agricultural machinery and related technologies.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring timely availability of quality fertilizers and pesticides to farmers at affordable prices, saying stronger cooperation with Russia in these areas could contribute to improving agricultural productivity and supporting Pakistan's food security objectives.

Rana Tanveer Hussain further highlighted the need for strengthening cooperation in the livestock and animal health sectors, particularly through access to quality vaccines and modern technologies.

He said improved disease prevention and animal health services are vital for increasing livestock productivity and protecting farmers' livelihoods.

The Minister called for greater engagement between relevant institutions and private-sector stakeholders of both countries to identify areas where cooperation could be translated into concrete projects and mutually beneficial trade.

Nikita Buzanov briefed the Federal Minister on Russia's interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan in the agriculture sector, saying Russian companies and institutions are ready to explore opportunities to supply agricultural machinery, fertilizers, pesticides and vaccines to Pakistan.

He expressed Russia's willingness to work with Pakistan in identifying the requirements of its agriculture sector and developing mechanisms for closer cooperation in agricultural inputs, machinery and animal health products.

Nikita Buzanov also underscored the potential for increasing bilateral trade in agriculture-related products and strengthening institutional linkages between the two countries.

The Federal Minister welcomed the Russian interest and directed those relevant areas of cooperation be examined closely to facilitate practical and result-oriented engagement between Pakistan and Russia.

Both sides agreed to continue consultations and explore further opportunities for cooperation aimed at supporting agricultural productivity, improving farm inputs and contributing to Pakistan's broader food security objectives.

Copyright Mettis Link News