Islamabad, May 19, 2022 (PPI-OT):Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan Bernhard Stephan Schlagheck called on the Federal Minister of National Food Security Tariq Bashir Cheema in his office today on 19th May, 2022. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary National Food Security Capt (r) Muhammad Asif, SJS Javed Humayun and Technical Adviser Dr. Akmal Siddique.

Tariq Bashir Cheema said that Pakistan needs to benefit from the experience of EU with respect to modernization of agriculture and up gradation of value addition in agricultural products. Tariq Bashir Cheema told the ambassador that Pakistan is importing 3 MMT wheat to ensure ample supply of wheat for local consumption.

He said that every possible measure is pre-emptively being taken to ensure that wheat is adequately available in the country. Federal Minister welcomed the Ambassador and praised the status of European Union (EU) as a leading region of the world.

He said that EU has only 5.8% of the world’s population and yet they generate 18% of global GDP which stands at US $17 trillion. The two delegates discussed the issues of food security in Pakistan. Minister said that a holistic approach is required to enhance the working conditions of the farmers. He said that Pakistani agriculture has been tottering along the traditional agricultural techniques and it is time that we start to look ahead to the future in terms of modernization.

Minister said that there are pertinent issue of quality of soil, quality and cost of input, choice of seeds etc that need to be focused on emergency basis. Minister said that value addition is one of the primary issues that needs to be addressed in the agriculture sector. Both dignitaries agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.

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