September 15, 2010

Pakistan seeks Australian tools, seeds for agricultural recovery

Pakistan is hoping Australia will help its agricultural sector by providing heavy agricultural equipment and hybrid seeds, Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Nazar Gondal said.

According to the minister, he said that the agricultural sector needs the immediate international support and assistance to normalise the lives of millions of people in the country.

"We need immediate response from the world community as the Rabi crops sowing season is about to start. The Damage & Needs Assessment (DNA) will take some time while the canola (rapeseed)sowing will take place this month. We then have to go for sunflower and wheat sowing," he said.

"We need Australian private companies to donate hybrid canola (rapeseed) and sunflower seeds and secure the potential local markets for future business. We also need bulldozers and other agricultural machinery to reclaim the land badly damaged by the floods," the minister added.

Gondal said that the government and people of Pakistan were grateful for the help already provided by Australia in the flood-affected areas. But he hopes that the bilateral trade will be increased and that Australian business people will be encouraged to invest in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan can learn a lot from the modern agricultural practices of Australia.

Tim George said that Australia has given US$35 million in aid for the flood-affected areas apart from running health care centres at different places. He said that the cooperation between the two countries has increased over a couple of years.

"We are seriously considering offering assistance in the areas where we have specialisation. I would pass on the recommendations given by you and our help would be forthcoming," added George.

Gondal showed solidarity with the High Commissioner for the recent floods in Australia and offered any help required. Tim George thanked the minister for the generous offer and display of concern.