High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan Greg Giokas advised leaders of industry, agriculture, and government to take a business approach to agriculture. He emphasised the need for policies that introduce business opportunities in agriculture making it attractive for investors.
He was speaking to senior Punjab government officials and leaders of industry and agriculture at a roundtable hosted by the Pakistan Agricultural Council, a non-profit organisation, in Lahore.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan Agricultural Council (PAC) Arif Nadeem, highlighted the importance of constant dialogue between government officials & farmers and local investors. The PAC intends to facilitate this dialogue to achieve better outcomes in agriculture, he said.
Greg Giokas pointed out that Canada exports $3.2 billion worth of food items to Japan alone. He explained the need for initiative from the private sector and recommended that Pakistan take a self-help approach in agriculture.
Shahid Abdullah of Sapphire Group pointed out that investors in Pakistan are taking a self-help approach for introducing more productive breeds of cattle and improvements in the cotton crop in Pakistan.
CEO of Farmers’ Associates of Pakistan Afaq Tiwana said that Pakistan must open up its agriculture sector to the global market with confidence as it possesses fertile land, water supply, and other factors suitable for farming. However, issues such as technology, research & capital need to be addressed.
The meeting was attended by, Punjab Agriculture Secretary Dr Ijaz Munir, Chairman Nestle Pakistan and honorary consul general of Canada in Lahore Syed Yawar Ali, Nauman Ahmed Khan, managing director of Almoiz Industries, Dr Mubarik Ali, chief executive Punjab Agricultural Research Board, and Punjab Veterinary Research Institute Director Rashid Ahmad.
