Govt seeks Egypt's help to boost cotton yield

The Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has requested assistance and specialist knowledge from Egypt to lift cotton output and quality in Pakistan. According to an official statement released on Monday, he made the request during a meeting with Egypt's ambassador, Dr Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan. He argued that Egyptian know-how in seed quality, cotton varieties, crop management and value addition holds real promise for the local cotton sector.

The minister proposed closer ties between agricultural research institutions in the two countries, covering expert exchanges, joint trials, research collaboration and capacity building. He also listed water-efficient irrigation, seed development, biotechnology, climate-smart farming, mechanisation, livestock and horticulture as areas where Pakistan wants to learn from Egypt's practical experience.

The Egyptian ambassador, Dr Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan, said Egypt was ready to deepen farm cooperation and that relevant institutions would be encouraged to explore shared interests. He also highlighted Egypt's experience with cotton, irrigation and farming in arid, water-scarce conditions. Both sides agreed to keep coordinating closely and to pin down practical steps that could help farmers and food security in both countries.