International markets: Pakistani rice must command premium value: Gilani

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani urged Pakistan to shift its farm strategy away from raising output and toward higher-value, quality-focused exports, according to Business Recorder. He addressed the REAP Export Trophy Awards ceremony in Karachi on Monday night as the guest of honour. He said national rice production has climbed to close to 10 million tons, but the priority now is producing better rice rather than simply more of it.

Gilani said Pakistani rice should fetch premium prices abroad, pointing to agricultural research, modern milling, strict quality checks, national branding and value-added products as the means. He also spoke of his own roots as a farmer from South Punjab and said stronger farmers meant a stronger Pakistan. He praised REAP for bringing the rice sector together and for its target of USD5 billion in exports.

He pledged that the Senate would back the business community with policy support, and expressed hope that farmers would prosper. Top exporters received awards at the event, which was attended by newly elected REAP chairman Muhammad Raza and Karachi Chamber of Commerce committee member Muzzammil Chappal, among others.