Islamabad: Our agro economy development is reasonable but we could have done better,primarily through research and transfer of technology.This was said by Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research (NFSR),Syed Fakhar Imam while meeting Ambassador Of European Union (EU),Androulla Kaminara on Tuesday.Federal Minister briefed the Ambassador about major crps of the country.Federal Minister also apprised about the menace of the desert locust has now been completely brought under control in the country and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) assisted Pakistan a lot in anti locust operations.He appreciated the EU agriculture policy which benefits the farmers to the scale that is exemplary.He added that Pakistan is focussing on developing phyto sanitary systems.He said that fruits and vegetables worth 700mn USD are exported by Pakistan.Syed Fakhar Imam said that Pakistan has large live stock sector but foot and mouth disease has handicapped us.A facility is being developed in Bahawal pur for developing vaccine for this disease.He added that Cotton is one of the major crops of the country and Pakistan needs a breakthrough in cotton sector.He admired floriculture of Netherlands and showed interest in developing a niche market for Floriculture in Pakistan
On the other hand Androulla Kaminara briefed about Balochistan Rural Development and Community Empowerment (BRACE) for rural development.She mentioned that NFSR is implementing partner of this programmeShe mentioned that that it is a 5 year plan ,which also includes improvement in production of live stock.She mentioned that EU ois also one of the financer of FAO.And she apprised that cotton is very much link with GSP plus status.She asked to develop fish industry because there is a lot of potential for Pakistan for fish export.It was mentioned that Pakistan and EU signed Strategic Engagement plan last year for transfer of technology.
Pakistan exports rice, mango, vegetables, spices, tobacco, etc. to EU states; however, the current level of bilateral trade between Pakistan and EU countries does not fully reflect the potential of our agro-products, which may need to be enhanced further. Whereas we are importing chickpeas, instant gum, potato seeds and food stuff etc. from EU countries.EU is main buyer of sheep casing from Pakistan. EU can support our meat industry by allowing the import of other meat and chicken products. EU can help Pakistan to increase agriculture production and increase export of regulated goods. Critical support in farming, technology and techniques will be imperative; therefore, there is dire need of collaboration between the agriculture sectors. The EU may provide technical and financial assistance in the livestock sector of Pakistan like risk based Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) control in Pakistan,virtual based Disease Information & Surveillance System in Pakistan and establishing FMD Free Zones in Pakistan.