Australian envoy calls for strong bilateral ties

Says will ensure greater transfer of expertise to Pakistan.

FAISALABAD: Strong relations between Pakistan and Australia in the agricultural sector will help alleviate poverty, Australian High Commissioner Peter Heyward said during a visit to the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

Heyward said that there is great potential in the livestock and agricultural sectors of Pakistan, and that Australia is already assisting Pakistan in enhancing agricultural productivity in the form of various development and capacity-building programmes in order to ensure food security in the country.

He observed that the farming community in Pakistan consists mostly of small farmers, and by equipping them with modern tools and practices, the targets of increased agricultural output and poverty alleviation can be achieved.

He said that agricultural productivity can be increased manifold by strengthening post-harvest mechanisms in Pakistan. Heyward also assured an enhanced flow of scientists, researchers and students from both sides.

The Australian envoy called for stepping up efforts on the part of social scientists and extension workers to persuade the farming community to adopt latest practices. He pointed out that, keeping in view the challenges of changing climates, it is a need of the hour that Pakistan expedites efforts to provide nutritious food to an increasing population.

He also stressed on the need for enhancing the role of women in the development of the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2013.

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