Pakistan, Russia explore cooperation in seeds, crop protection

Pakistan and Russia have discussed collaboration spanning seed breeding, plant protection products and advanced fertiliser technology, according to Mettis Global. The talks took place when Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain met a delegation from Schelkovo Agrohim, a Russian firm working in agriculture and agrochemicals. Islamabad wants ties to move beyond finished product imports toward local manufacturing, shared research and training of Pakistani specialists.

Rana Tanveer said Pakistan needs technologies and seeds that cope better with drought, disease, pests and climate stress, and climate-resilient varieties are now a priority. The Russian side outlined its pesticides, micronutrients, biological products and hybrid seeds for wheat, maize, sugar beet, canola and sorghum, and noted its maize seed is non-GMO. Pest and disease control in cotton, rice, sugarcane and vegetables was identified as a key area, and early trials of Russian wheat seed were proposed before the sowing season approaches.

Both sides discussed a memorandum of understanding or letter of intent to formalise future work, and the government pledged to arrange matchmaking with Pakistani business partners. Models on the table include local distribution deals, joint ventures, public-private partnerships and a Russian input company set up in Pakistan. Rana Tanveer stressed that PARC and NARC would test any new product under local soil and climate conditions before wider introduction.