Chitral Times Report
ISLAMABAD: The delegation from Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, members Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau International (CABI) called on Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Mr. Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan in Islamabad today. The Executive Director Global Operations CABI, Mr. Ulrich Kuhlman briefed about the steps to be taken by CABI to facilitate both the countries to materialize the objects specified in MoU signed among the three parties. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed between China, CABI and Ministry of National Food Security & Research, Pakistan in November 2018 for cooperation in Agriculture Research & Development under the Belt & Road Initiative. The mutual areas of cooperation under the memorandum were cooperation in research, capacity building of agro-scientists, entomologist, regional pest management, quarantine facilities, weed control and Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) standards for food crops like maize, wheat and rice. The CABI’s mandate revolves around Pest Control and research in Entomology in commonwealth countries; China is non-commonwealth member of CABI and Pakistan is facing a Sanitary- Phyto Sanitary (SPS) restriction which has limited its exports in plants (Crops & other agro commodities). Hence, the purpose of the subject MoU was to formulate a plan of action which will equip Pakistan with necessary skills to meet the stringent international SPS measures to enhance its exports, which otherwise is limited in the area and which could be greatly enhanced. The plan of action proposed was that CABI and PARC (Pakistan Agriculture Research Council) to nominate the scientists to develop initial list of bio-control research ideas, establishment of joint laboratory and relevant quarantine facilities. Moreover, under the MoU regional surveillance team of scientists would be formulated to keep track of the activities undertaken and progress made thereof, furthermore, the said team will monitor the existing laboratories, facilities to formulate proposals. Belt and Road Initiative brings great prospects for Joint ventures between two countries, this cooperation will not only boost the agricultural research but also increase Pakistan’s agro-commodities export to China and other countries. Currently a lot is to be done in this regard and the Federal Minister said that we are focusing on building maximum capacity for our scientists so the agriculture could be revolutionized and he also expressed his desire that the current MoU between the three parties focused on plants & crops, if successful we will expand its scope to livestock and work on capacity building in the field and meet higher export targets livestock, meat and dairy. The participants deliberated upon the steps taken so far to materialize the proposals/ plan of actions mentioned in the MoU. CABI’s Regional Director expressed that CABI is very keen & is well aware of Pakistan’s role towards this organization and hence under Belt & Road initiative will facilitate both the countries for maximum results with special focus on mutual exchange of training programs and technology for effective pest control and management thereof. Federal Minister thanked CABI for its consistent support & proposals in this regard and assured that Ministry of National Food Security & Research would render maximum support to get things done well in desired time.
