US explores investment opportunities in agriculture, livestock sectors

A US business delegation met Punjab’s agriculture and livestock minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Wednesday to discuss investment and commercial cooperation in the province, Business Recorder reported. The minister said Punjab produces about 80 percent of Pakistan’s agricultural and food output, and outlined government support for farm technology, crop yields and private investment.

Kirmani said farmers received around Rs400 billion in agricultural loans through the Kissan Card programme over the past two years, with much of the money used to buy fertilizer. The delegation showed interest in growing US soybeans in Pakistan, while discussions also covered new fruit varieties, including avocados and dragon fruit, and investment in processing agricultural produce. The talks included Punjab’s livestock initiatives in animal identification, vaccination and disease prevention.