Islamabad (GNP): Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting with the Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, Ms. Ina Lepel, to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock development, food security, research, and technology transfer.
Welcoming the German delegation, the Minister acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and Germany and emphasized the importance of joint efforts to address global challenges related to food security, climate change, and sustainable agricultural development.
Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that agriculture contributes nearly 25 percent to Pakistan’s GDP, but low crop yields remain a major challenge. He said the Government is focusing on agricultural research, certified seeds, mechanization, 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 percent 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. He also invited German companies and institutions to collaborate in dairy modernization, agricultural mechanization, 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 emphasized the need for collaboration in traceability systems, food safety standards, and SPS compliance to facilitate greater access to international markets.
German Ambassador Ina Lepel appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to modernize 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.
Chairman PARC and Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, highlighted the long history of agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and Germany. He stressed the importance of joint research, capacity building, and collaboration in livestock breeding technologies. He noted that Pakistan could benefit from German expertise through the import of high-quality embryos and semen for breed improvement and increased livestock productivity.
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Both sides agreed to explore cooperation in agricultural research, mechanization, climate-smart agriculture, livestock genetics, water-efficient technologies, food safety standards, and value-added agricultural products. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for sustainable agricultural growth and enhanced food security.
