Pakistan, US sign major agricultural trade deal

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MG News | October 16, 2025 at 10:17 AM GMT+05:00

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October 16, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and the United States have agreed to enhance agricultural cooperation and expand bilateral trade, following a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Acting U.S. Ambassador Natalie A. Baker.

The meeting, held in Islamabad, focused on strengthening the long-standing agricultural partnership between the two nations, with emphasis on food security, research collaboration, and trade expansion.

Minister Hussain welcomed the U.S. delegation and expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership that has significantly contributed to Pakistan's agricultural development through joint projects, technical collaboration, and research linkages.

Minister Hussain acknowledged several successful U.S. funded initiatives that have transformed Pakistan's agricultural sector. The Agricultural Linkages Program (ALP), which has been operating since 2000, has funded multiple competitive research projects and has significantly strengthened Pakistan's agricultural research capacity and laboratory infrastructure across the country.

The Wheat Productivity Enhancement Project (WPEP) stands out as a remarkable collaborative effort involving USDA, CIMMYT, and Pakistani scientists.

This initiative has achieved impressive results by developing 36 improved wheat varieties that have increased yields by up to 20% while enhancing resistance against devastating wheat rust diseases. The project demonstrates the tangible benefits of bilateral cooperation in addressing food security challenges.

The Agricultural Innovation Project (AIP), a $30m USAID funded initiative, has introduced modern farming technologies throughout Pakistan. The program has brought improved seed varieties, advanced farm machinery, and comprehensive value chain development across crops, dairy, and horticulture sectors, helping farmers increase productivity and income.

Pakistan has emerged as one of the largest importers of Holstein cows from the United States, showing the rapid growth of its dairy industry. Minister Hussain highlighted that despite maintaining a livestock population exceeding 250m animals, the meat sector still offers significant untapped potential for expansion and export development.

The government is implementing strategic initiatives to boost livestock productivity and meet international standards. These efforts include the establishment of a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free zone in Bahawalpur and the introduction of international standard traceability systems.

The USDA representatives expressed keen interest in collaborating on genetic improvement programs for dairy and beef cattle to further enhance productivity and export competitiveness.

Both nations agreed to deepen cooperation in several strategic agricultural sectors that promise mutual benefits. Joint research efforts will focus on developing hybrid and disease resistant crop varieties that can withstand climate challenges. The partnership will also explore opportunities for local vaccine production to improve animal health and reduce dependency on imports.

Livestock improvement through advanced breeding programs represents another priority area, along with agricultural mechanization to modernize farming practices. Both sides emphasized the importance of precision agriculture and digital farming technologies, which can dramatically enhance efficiency and sustainability while reducing resource wastage.

Minister Hussain expressed Pakistan's strong interest in expanding agricultural exports to the United States, particularly premium Pakistani mangoes and diverse horticultural products.

He emphasized the need for improved compliance with international certification standards and streamlined export protocols to facilitate greater market access. The minister noted that with proper support and cooperation, Pakistan's agricultural exports could see substantial growth in the American market.

The U.S. support has significantly strengthened Pakistan's agricultural education infrastructure over the years. Notable achievements include the establishment of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and a research endowment at the University of Agriculture Peshawar.

These initiatives have enhanced academic linkages between Pakistani and American universities, fostering professional development and scientific collaboration that benefits both nations.

Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and technology-driven agriculture sector through continued partnership with the United States.

He thanked the U.S. government for its consistent support and expressed confidence that this collaboration will create new opportunities for agricultural innovation, investment and bilateral trade.

The meeting represents a significant milestone in Pak-U.S. relations, promising enhanced food security, economic growth, and technological advancement in Pakistan's vital agricultural sector. As both countries move forward with expanded cooperation, the partnership is expected to deliver tangible benefits for farmers, researchers, and consumers in both nations.

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