Japan will  facilitate Pakistan to control locusts

ISLAMABAD: Japanese Ambassador Matsuda Kuninori on Monday met Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam in Islamabad.

According to a statement, in the meeting it was discussed that Japan would facilitate Pakistan to control locusts, in value addition of fruits and vegetables and Flori culture specially tulip and roses.

The officials also agreed to enhance collaboration in different sectors, including fishery, livestock.

On this occasion, Syed Fakhar Imam said “That Pakistan is among major wheat exporters of the world because of adverse weather conditions wheat export would be affected this year”.

Pakistan and Japan should increase collaboration in transfer of technology and information in agriculture sector, he added. The minister also recognizes the ongoing projects and collaboration of Japanese Government in Pakistan.

He further said that the Pakistani authorities wanted to enhance flori culture in Pakistan and assistance from japans’ government would be highly valuable.

Japanese Ambassador said Pakistan was one of the major agricultural products exporter and many countries depend upon Pakistan for rice and fruits.

He added Japan is already working in Pakistan on different projects and many Japanese companies are willing to invest in agriculture sector in Pakistan.

He said ongoing locust situation was the biggest thread to food security for Pakistan, adding that Japan is willing to assist Pakistan to obtain pesticides and other essential products.

Japanese Ambassador ensured further financial assistance and collaboration in agriculture sector by the Japanese Government.