ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikander Hayat Khan Bosan Thursday said that the government was focussing on agriculture development as it ultimately ensures food security and economic growth.
In a meeting with USAID officials here to devise a roadmap for upcoming projects, the Minister highlighted that agriculture is a major player in national economy with contribution of over 21 percent to GDP, besides generating employment for 45 percent of labor force and serving as major livelihood to 62 percent of rural population.
He appreciated the USAID support in agriculture sector. Bosan was also briefed on the project “Agriculture Market Development” by USAID.
This partnership focuses on better coordination and enhanced growth in Pakistani horticulture and livestock markets especially in mango, citrus, off season vegetable and meat sectors.
The project will help farmers to upgrade, modernize equipment and processing operations.
Partnership for Agriculture Market Development is a four-year activity (2015-2018) aimed at transforming targeted product lines into efficient private sector led supply chains.
The minister stated that this programme would complement government’s effort to promote private sector led supply chains capable of delivering competitive products to domestic and export markets that would ultimately lead to private sector investment, exports & domestic sales, employment opportunities and assistance to producers.
USAID was requested to continue with their efforts in controlling Foot and Mouth disease in Pakistan.
Currently a project to control Foot and Mouth disease is being implemented by FAO with financial and technical support of US Department of Agriculture.
The project has contributed significantly in improving diagnostic and surveillance infrastructure as Pakistan upgraded from stage 1 to 2 on Progressive Control Pathway.
The USAID delegation included Steven Fondriest, USAID Deputy Director Economic Growth and Agriculture, Michael Trueblood USAID Acting Director, Mubashra Mukadas USAID Livestock Sector Advisor, Travis Guymon USAID Agriculture Development Officer and Peter Dickrell.
