Pakistan, US sign major agricultural trade deal

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