Russia offers agricultural technology to Pakistan, agrees to modernize fertilizer plants

ISLAMABAD: Russia has offered the latest agricultural technology to Pakistan, agreed to share expertise to modernize fertilizer plants and provide training to local farmers to boost productivity, as the government in Islamabad has identified agriculture as a priority sector to strengthen the national economy, according to the state media.
Agriculture has long been the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, but farmers have faced increasing difficulties in recent years due to climate change, which has caused unpredictable weather patterns.
Earlier this year, Pakistan, struggling to boost export revenues, sought China’s help to modernize its agricultural sector during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s five-day visit to that country.
With Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk currently visiting Pakistan, officials from both countries are exploring collaboration in this critical sector.
“Russia will provide modern agricultural machinery to Pakistan in order to boost crop yields and enhance agricultural productivity,” reported Radio Pakistan as Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Aleksei Gruzdev met Federal Minister for Industries, Production and National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain in the federal capital.
Gruzdev also interacted with Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan separately, saying that his country was “keen to offer expertise in modernizing Pakistan’s fertilizer plants and provide training programs for Pakistani farmers.”
The two sides focused on strengthening economic cooperation and exploring new bilateral trade opportunities.
The Russian deputy minister also highlighted his government’s interest in expanding exports or railway machinery and metal products.
The two Pakistani ministers highlighted the significant but untapped potential of trade between both countries.
Pakistan and Russia are scheduled to hold the 5th Joint Working Group meeting, which is scheduled for the 26th of this month.