Antalya: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have initiated discussions to expand bilateral cooperation in the fields of agricultural research, seed development, horticulture, and livestock, with an emphasis on modern technologies and climate-resilient agricultural practices. This development emerged during a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Alisher Shukurov, held on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.

According to Press Information Department, the dialogue focused on joint research opportunities related to hybrid and genetically modified seeds, especially for cotton and horticultural crops, along with technical cooperation in livestock development. Both nations are exploring ways to leverage scientific expertise, exchange research experiences, and adopt modern agricultural solutions to enhance productivity and food security. Federal Minister Hussain expressed a keen interest in Uzbekistan’s proposal to dispatch a technical delegation to Pakistan to foster direct engagement between agricultural experts and research institutions from both countries.

The discussions align with Uzbekistan’s climate-smart agrifood investment agenda showcased at COP31. On November 11, Uzbekistan launched its ANORA (Agrifood Investment Opportunities for Resilient Agriculture) Platform at its National Pavilion, aiming to attract investment, develop agricultural projects, and promote climate-resilient agrifood systems. This initiative emphasizes sustainable land management, water-efficient infrastructure, and modern agricultural technologies.

The engagement between Pakistan and Uzbekistan underscores the potential for cooperation in developing climate-resilient seeds, sustainable farming practices, livestock research, and agricultural technology. Both countries are poised to benefit from technical exchanges and knowledge-sharing to address agricultural challenges, improve productivity, and strengthen their food systems’ resilience.

This meeting signifies Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to expand international agricultural partnerships, promote research-driven development, and explore practical cooperation avenues with friendly nations.