Uzbekistan agrees to boost agricultural cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed for bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture and livestock.
In a meeting held on Wednesday, Minister for National Food Security and Research, Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan met with the Uzbek ministerial delegation which was led by Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov.
The two sides discussed the potential cooperation in agriculture and livestock, sharing the list of livestock products for trading and sanitary requirements information.
Pakistan may offer assistance to Uzbekistan in the areas of livestock feed technology, semen production, processing and preservation and disease diagnostics in livestock and their control.
Pakistan also showed interest in the areas of Uzbek wool technology and turkey farming.
Exchange of elite genetic resources of cotton, rice and wheat to develop high yielding hybrids and varieties resistant to emerging stresses was discussed in the meeting.
The two sides discussed joint ventures for crop improvement through conventional and biotechnological approaches. Knowledge sharing regarding suitable agricultural technologies for adaption to climate change was also discussed.
During the meeting, Mr Bosan highlighted that Uzbek side has previously shown interest for cooperation in the field of cotton. The Ministry for National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) had referred the issue to the Ministry of Textile. Since the subject of cotton has now been transferred to the MNSFR, further cooperation in cotton would be explored.
The sixth session of Pakistan-Uzbekistan Inter-governmental Commission will be held shortly wherein the two countries will continue to pursue common goals of economic development.
MoU awaits approval
The Federal Cabinet has already approved signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Uzbekistan for establishing cooperation in the field of agriculture. MNFSR has forwarded the draft MoU to the Uzbek government for approval.
According to the ministry, the agreement will be instrumental in institutionalising bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture.
Under the agreement, exchange of germplasm of various agricultural commodities and farm machinery was proposed.
Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2018