As-salamu alaykum - Pakistan and US agree to expand research on hybrid, disease-resistant crops and livestock
As-salamu alaykum - Pakistan and the United States agreed this week to step up cooperation in agriculture, focusing on joint research into hybrid and disease-resistant crop varieties, local vaccine production and improving livestock breeds to raise productivity and exports, the food security ministry said.
The talks in Islamabad were between Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and the Acting US Ambassador, where both sides reviewed current projects and set priorities for the future. The discussions covered agricultural trade, technology transfer and research partnerships under long-standing Pak‑US frameworks.
“Alhamdulillah, Pakistan is committed to building a resilient, sustainable and tech‑driven farming sector through continued collaboration with the United States,” the minister said after the meeting, adding that Insha'Allah the partnership will open new avenues for innovation, investment and trade.
He pointed to Pakistan’s growing dairy and livestock sectors and noted the country imports many Holstein cows from the US. Work is underway to improve animal health and productivity, including plans for a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)‑free zone in Bahawalpur and a new traceability system aligned with international - and halal export - standards.
The US showed interest in joint genetic improvement programs for dairy and beef cattle to help Pakistan compete better in export markets.
Hussain also acknowledged US‑funded programs like the Agricultural Linkages Program (ALP) and the Wheat Productivity Enhancement Project (WPEP), saying they’ve helped strengthen research capacity and resilience. WPEP alone helped develop 36 improved wheat varieties, raising yields by up to 20% and boosting resistance to rust.
He mentioned the Agricultural Innovation Project (AIP), a $30 million USAID initiative, for bringing modern seed varieties, farm machinery and value‑chain improvements across crops, dairy and horticulture.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in precision agriculture, digital farming and export compliance measures - especially for mangoes and other horticultural products headed for the US market - while meeting international food safety and halal requirements.
Pretty encouraging meeting overall - may Allah make it beneficial for farmers and the country.
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