Pakistan and Australia Agree to Strengthen Cooperation in Agriculture, Research, and Biosecurity
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - September 03, 2026)
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized the need to translate research into practical, scalable, and farmer-oriented solutions, especially in climate-resilient agriculture, water management, crop improvement, horticulture, and agricultural value chains.
He held a meeting with Dr. Suzie Newman, General Manager Partnerships, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan to discuss further strengthening bilateral cooperation in:
- Agricultural research
- Climate resilience
- Biosecurity
- Water management
- Agricultural trade
The Federal Minister appreciated Australia’s longstanding partnership with Pakistan through ACIAR, noting that cooperation in agricultural research has continued since 1984 and contributed to research, capacity building, and agricultural development.
The Australian side reaffirmed the importance of this partnership and expressed interest in expanding collaboration in areas aligned with Pakistan’s agricultural priorities. ACIAR highlighted its focus on demand-driven, locally led research, capacity building, and translating research outcomes into practical benefits for farmers and the wider sector.
Key discussions included:
- Enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural and horticultural exports to Australia through addressing phytosanitary requirements, strengthening plant-health systems, and facilitating market access.
- Expanding cooperation in agricultural biosecurity and plant health, including pest identification, molecular diagnostics, DNA barcoding, pest surveillance, risk analysis, quarantine management, and modern digital plant-health systems.
- Collaborating on climate- and weather-based pest forecasting, GIS-based surveillance, early-warning systems, invasive pest management, and locust preparedness, including environmentally sustainable control approaches.
The meeting also reviewed ACIAR’s ongoing Aik Saath program, recognizing the importance of strengthening productive, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural systems. Priority areas identified included:
- Water-use efficiency
- Climate-resilient irrigation
- Salinity and waterlogging management
- Wheat and pulse improvement
- Horticulture
- Post-harvest management
- Value chain development