Pakistan pitches biotech policy, livestock ties to Germany

June 19, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Germany have agreed to explore deeper bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock development, food security, research, and technology transfer.

This took place in a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel, said a press release issued.

The minister noted that agriculture contributes nearly 25% to Pakistan's GDP but that low crop yields remain a persistent challenge, adding that the government is focused on agricultural research, certified seeds, mechanization, and climate-resilient crop varieties to lift productivity.

He also highlighted the livestock sector, which accounts for around 60% of agricultural output, and proposed cooperation in livestock genetics, breed improvement, advanced reproductive technologies, animal feed development, and Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine production.

German companies and institutions were invited to collaborate in dairy modernisation, agricultural mechanisation, food processing, and the establishment of modern slaughterhouses.

The minister further informed the delegation that Pakistan is introducing its first Biotechnology Policy, aimed at opening new avenues for research, innovation, and foreign investment, while also highlighting the need for collaboration on traceability systems, food safety standards, and SPS compliance to broaden market access.

Ina Lepel appreciated Pakistan's efforts to modernise its agriculture sector and reaffirmed Germany's commitment to expanding cooperation in agriculture, climate resilience, livestock development, and research.

She welcomed the Biotechnology Policy initiative and noted that several German firms are actively exploring investment opportunities in the country.

Chairman PARC and Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi stressed the value of joint research and capacity building, adding that Pakistan stood to benefit from German expertise through the import of high-quality embryos and semen for breed improvement and livestock productivity gains.

Both sides concluded the meeting with a commitment to strengthen bilateral ties for sustainable agricultural growth and enhanced food security.

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