Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain met with Dr. Suzie Newman of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in agricultural research, climate resilience, and biosecurity.

According to Press Information Department: The meeting underscored the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Australia, which has been ongoing since 1984 through ACIAR. This collaboration has contributed significantly to research, capacity building, and agricultural development. Both parties emphasized the importance of translating research into practical solutions, particularly in climate-resilient agriculture, water management, and agricultural value chains.

Australia reaffirmed its commitment to the partnership and expressed interest in aligning collaboration with Pakistan’s agricultural priorities. ACIAR stressed its focus on demand-driven research and the practical benefits for farmers. Discussions included enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural exports to Australia by addressing phytosanitary requirements and strengthening plant health systems.

The Federal Minister proposed expanded cooperation in agricultural biosecurity and plant health, including pest identification and quarantine management. Both sides also discussed technical cooperation in pest forecasting, GIS surveillance, and sustainable pest control.

The ongoing ACIAR Aik Saath programme and the Water Resilience project in the Southern Indus Basin were reviewed, highlighting the importance of involving Pakistani research institutions for project sustainability. Both sides agreed on identifying new research initiatives aligned with Pakistan’s agricultural needs, focusing on capacity building and practical farmer solutions.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment to deepening the partnership, particularly in food security, climate resilience, and agricultural export development.