Russia to help modernise Pakistan’s agriculture with machinery and fertiliser plant upgrades

Russia has agreed to supply modern agricultural machinery to Pakistan in a bid to boost crop yields and improve agricultural productivity, according to a statement from Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Aleksei Gruzdev.

The announcement came during a meeting in Islamabad between Gruzdev and Pakistan’s Minister for Industries, Production, and National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain.

The two officials discussed enhancing bilateral trade, with a focus on improving agricultural outputs.

Rana Tanveer emphasised the need for modern machinery to support Pakistan’s agricultural sector, noting that the government is ready to provide all necessary facilities to Russian investors in the country.

In addition to machinery, Gruzdev revealed Russia’s interest in modernising Pakistan’s fertiliser plants and providing training programs to help Pakistani farmers increase productivity.

During a separate meeting with Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Gruzdev highlighted the potential for further trade cooperation, particularly in agricultural and railway machinery exports, as well as metal products.

The two sides also discussed the upcoming 5th Joint Working Group meeting, scheduled for the 26th of this month in Islamabad, where both nations will explore new avenues for economic collaboration.

The government of Pakistan is considering a proposal for establishing a new steel mill in Karachi with the cooperation of Russia and both countries have agreed to form working groups to push ahead with the project.

In that regard, Russian Federation Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Aleksei Gruzdev met Minister for Industries, Production and National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday.

Pakistan's minister informed his counterpart that the government had earmarked 700 acres of land of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) for setting up the new steel mill.

He said that despite being blessed with considerable reserves of iron ore, estimated at 1,887 million tons, Pakistan was forced to import around $2.7 billion worth of iron and steel.

Rana Tanveer Hussain said that the efficiency of Pakistan's steel industry was limited as it remained segmented, with 600 small units, and was based on old and inefficient technology.

The proposed site for the new steel mill is located in Karachi and close to Port Qasim, which will reduce the cost of raw material transportation.

Pakistan's industrial and agricultural experts are set to visit Russia, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties.