Pakistan, Egypt discuss boosting agricultural, cotton cooperation

Pakistan and Egypt have agreed to deepen bilateral ties in farming, food security and modern agricultural technology, according to a press release reported by Mettis Global. Priority fields for joint work include cotton, irrigation, seed breeding, biotechnology and farming suited to a changing climate. The understanding emerged from a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain with Egypt's ambassador, Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan.

Hussain sought Egyptian expertise in raising cotton yields and improving fibre quality, pointing to know-how in crop varieties, seed quality, crop husbandry and value addition. He proposed closer links between agricultural research institutes of the two countries, including expert exchanges, joint trials and shared best practices. The minister said the government wants higher farm productivity, lower production costs and better incomes for farmers through modern inputs and research-extension links.

The ambassador said Egypt is ready to expand farming cooperation and would encourage its institutions to explore shared interests, highlighting its experience in arid conditions. Both sides will keep in close touch and look for specific projects that could help growers and national food supplies. Previous discussions had also touched on water management, farming in arid zones and drip watering systems.