ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia have discussed expanding cooperation in agricultural technology, including seeds, crop protection, fertilizers, research and technology transfer.
A delegation from Russian agrochemical company Schelkovo Agrohim met Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, with representatives of the Russian Embassy also attending.
The minister said Pakistan seeks cooperation beyond importing finished products, including joint research, local seed production, breeding programmes and capacity building.
Both sides discussed climate-resilient and drought-tolerant seeds, pest and disease management, and field trials of Russian agricultural products in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and National Agricultural Research Centre were proposed as platforms to scientifically assess Russian technologies under local conditions.
The government also offered to facilitate partnerships between the Russian company and Pakistani businesses, including potential joint ventures, local manufacturing and research projects.