ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain has emphasised the need for greater investment in agricultural research along with coordinated efforts by national and international research partners.

He was speaking at a ceremony here on Wednesday marking the 50 years of Pakistan-US cooperation in agriculture, and celebrating the 100th birthday of Dr. Norman Borlaug, who was known as father of the “Green Revolution”.

Dr Borlaug’s daughter, Jeannie Borlaug Laube, specially came to Pakistan to take part in celebrations.

President Mamnoon said the ministry of national food security and research is in the process of finalising the ‘National Food and Nutrition Security Policy’ in consultation with the provincial governments.

US Ambassador Richard Olson emphasised the importance of government and business working together, saying “a strong public-private dialogue and partnership in this sector can ensure that farmers have the highest quality seeds, supplies, and infrastructure; and that consumers have world class products at fair prices.”

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan paid tribute to the services of late Dr Borlaug to humanity for introducing semi-dwarf, high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties.