PM opens seed potato processing facility

March 25, 2025 (MLN): The Seed Potato Production and Processing Complex at the National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to enhance potato seed production using modern aeroponics technology.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, he expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance the production of high-quality potato seed and reduce foreign exchange spent on seed imports.

Emphasizing agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, he highlighted that 65% of the population is linked to farming, according to the press release.

He praised Pakistani farmers for their hard work and stated that they could achieve remarkable progress if provided with quality seed, fertilizers, and affordable pesticides.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to manufacture combine harvesters and other farm machinery locally instead of depending on imports.

He also underscored the importance of increasing yields in crops such as cooking oil seeds, sugar, and cotton.

Noting that Pakistan spends $4.5 billion annually on cooking oil imports, he suggested local production as a way to conserve foreign reserves.

He expressed deep gratitude to the Republic of Korea for its cooperation in the Seed Potato Production and Processing Plant.

Meanwhile, on the direction of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq Khan undertook a three-day visit to Kabul.

During the visit, he met Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, where both sides discussed mutual concerns, including peace, security, trade, economic cooperation, and people-to-people contacts.

The Special Representative reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continued engagement and emphasized the importance of addressing security issues to strengthen bilateral relations.

Both sides agreed to enhance high-level engagement and dialogue for stronger cooperation.

Additionally, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq Khan met Afghanistan’s Acting Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi to discuss trade, economic relations, transit, and connectivity.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial ties and both sides agreed to maximize the potential of regional trade and connectivity for mutual benefit.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed satisfaction with the discussions held and directed further efforts to consolidate bilateral ties, including enhancing trade and transit cooperation through high-level engagement.

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