Govt to boost agri sector for economic development
By Tariq Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Prince Muhammad Isa Jan Baloch has said that the government is focusing on the development of agriculture sector in the country as it contributes to boost the economy and helps eliminating poverty. This was stated by the Minister while talking to Argentinean Ambassador, Rodolfo Martin Saravia who called on him on Thursday.
Both the sides agreed to enhance cooperation for the development of livestock sector, hybrid sunflower and soybean seed production and installation of meat and milk processing units in Pakistan. The Minister said that Pakistan wants to enhance the soybean production and subsequently export it after meeting the domestic consumption as there is lot of scope for its cultivation in Punjab and Northern areas.
The Minister also desired to implement the MOU signed between both the countries, as soon as possible, for the promotion of agriculture sector in Pakistan. The Minister also said that both the countries can setup joint venture programmes in Pakistan for the up-gradation of livestock sector and stressed for training for meat production and processing.
The Ambassador said Argentina wants to provide cooling plants for processing of milk and meat in Pakistan Responding to the offer of the Ambassador, the minister remarked that Argentina should also train our manpower to operate and maintain these plants.
Secretary, M/O Food and Agriculture, Zia ur Rehman, Additional Secretary, Muhammad Saleem Jhagra and other high officials of the Ministry were also present in the meeting.