Pakistan looks to Egypt’s expertise in cotton, irrigation and climate-smart farming to improve agricultural productivity
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Egypt have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food security and modern farming technologies, with a particular focus on improving cotton production and productivity in Pakistan.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain discussed the proposed cooperation during a meeting with Egyptian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan.
The minister said Pakistan highly valued its longstanding relations with Egypt and appreciated the country’s progress in modern agriculture, water management, climate-resilient farming and agricultural technologies.
“I am impressed by Egypt’s agricultural development and the experience it has developed in improving productivity under challenging conditions,” Rana Tanveer said.
Pakistan seeks Egypt’s cotton expertise
The minister particularly sought Egypt’s technical expertise and support to increase cotton yields and improve cotton quality in Pakistan.
He said Egypt’s experience in cotton varieties, quality seed, crop management and value addition could provide valuable support to Pakistan’s cotton sector.
Rana Tanveer proposed stronger collaboration between Pakistani and Egyptian agricultural research institutions, including expert exchanges, joint research, capacity building, field trials and the sharing of best practices.
The proposed cooperation would cover cotton production as well as other priority crops.
The two sides also discussed collaboration in water-efficient irrigation, seed development, biotechnology, climate-smart agriculture, mechanisation, livestock, horticulture and agricultural research.
Focus on productivity and farmers’ incomes
Rana Tanveer said the government was focusing on increasing agricultural productivity, reducing production costs and improving farmers’ incomes through modern technologies and quality inputs.
He also stressed the importance of stronger links between agricultural research institutions and extension services to ensure that modern farming practices reach farmers effectively.
The minister said international cooperation and the exchange of technical expertise could help Pakistan address challenges facing its agriculture sector, particularly those related to productivity, water availability and climate change.
Egypt offers cooperation in modern farming
Egyptian Ambassador Dr Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan expressed his country’s readiness to strengthen agricultural cooperation with Pakistan.
He said relevant Egyptian institutions would be encouraged to explore areas of mutual interest and develop practical avenues for cooperation.
The ambassador highlighted Egypt’s experience in cotton production, irrigation, agricultural research and cultivation under water-scarce and arid conditions.
He also welcomed greater exchanges between agricultural experts and research institutions of the two countries.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and identify concrete areas of cooperation that could translate bilateral relations into practical benefits for farmers, agricultural productivity and food security.
Pakistan and Egypt have previously discussed cooperation in areas including agriculture, food security, water-resource management, arid-zone farming, seed development, drip irrigation and climate-smart technologies.