ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sought German partnership in agricultural modernisation and livestock development. Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain met a German delegation led by German Ambassador Ina Lepel on Thursday and discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock development, food security, research and technology transfer.
He also invited German companies and institutions to collaborate in dairy modernisation, agricultural mechanisation, food processing and the establishment of modern slaughterhouses in Pakistan.
The minister informed the delegation that Pakistan is introducing its first biotechnology policy, which will create new opportunities for research, innovation and foreign investment in the agriculture sector.
He also emphasised the need for collaboration in traceability systems, food safety standards and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) compliance to facilitate greater access to international markets.
Ms 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 Pakistan’s Biotechnology Policy initiative and noted that several German companies are interested in exploring investment opportunities in the country.
The minister acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and Germany and emphasised the importance of joint efforts to address global challenges related to food security, climate change and sustainable agricultural development.
Rana Tanveer Hussain said agriculture contributes nearly 25 per cent to Pakistan’s GDP, but low crop yields remain a major challenge.
He said the government is focusing on agricultural research, certified seeds, mechanisation and the development of climate-resilient crop varieties to improve productivity and strengthen food security.
Highlighting the importance of the livestock sector, which accounts for nearly 60 per cent of agricultural output, the minister proposed cooperation in livestock genetics, breed improvement, advanced reproductive technologies, animal feed development and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine production.
Both sides agreed to explore cooperation in agricultural research, mechanisation, climate-smart agriculture, livestock genetics, water-efficient technologies, food safety standards and value-added agricultural products.
They also agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for sustainable agricultural growth and enhanced food security.
Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2026