Pakistan-Uzbekistan agree to strengthen agriculture ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Wednesday agreed to enhancing bilateral cooperation and sharing expertise in agriculture and livestock for the development of the sectors of both countries.

The consensus in this regard was developed in a meeting between the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Furkat A Sidikov and Pakistan Agriculture Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Yousuf Zafar.

The ambassador also visited National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) and discussed various avenues of mutual co-operation for developing the agriculture sectors of both the countries.

PARC Chairman Dr Yusuf Zafar informed the Uzbek Ambassador that there were tremendous opportunities for mutual cooperation in agriculture, agro machinery manufacturing, food processing, dry fruits, fresh fruits, cotton, milk and its by-products and leather.

“Seventy percent of gross domestic product (GDP) depended on the agricultural sector, whereas 45 percent labour force of the country comes from the agriculture sector.”

Dr Zafar also stressed on the need for initiating joint ventures for manufacturing agri-machinery in Pakistan to mechanise local farms.

“Agricultural experts believe that Uzbekistan was producing mechanised agriculture machinery, which was far better than the machinery produced in India and China and the cultivation through mechanised machinery can double the yield in Pakistan,” he added.

Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Furkat A Sidikov said cotton-picking equipment and tractors from Uzbekistan were available in Pakistan and successfully operating in the local fields.

He said Cotton Research Institute Multan had imported and advanced cotton picking machine which would save the labour cost of local farmers and help them maximise their farm income.

Recently, a team of experts from the research institute had also visited Uzbekistan to review the possibilities collaboration in the agriculture sector, he added.

“It was also agreed to formalise an exchange programme for scientists and farmers to benefit from research and mutual experiences.”