Islamabad, February 19, 2020 (PPI-OT):Ambassador of China H.E. Mr. Yao Jing called on Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar today in Islamabad. Honourable Minister apprised the Ambassador about the requirement of pesticides and aerial support to control the locust in Pakistan particularly Sindh and Balochistan. Federal Minister informed about the current situation of affected areas and how the locust is spreading there. Federal Minister also underlined the importance of the measures taken by neighbouring countries to control locust as these insects keep on moving on vast areas.
Khusro Bakhtiar informed the ambassador about the requirement of aerial support from China to curtail the production of locust in venerable areas. He underscored the urgent need of aerial support with pesticide for aerial spray to contain the locust in the desert area.
The Ambassador assured to consider supply of pesticides and spraying equipment to Pakistan as an emergency project. He further informed that the Chinese side will send a delegation of technical experts during next week to Pakistan to further deliberate on aerial management of locust. The delegation will also visit the locust affected areas.
Chinese Ambassador said China is also interested to increase import of Agricultural Products from Pakistan including onion, potato and meat. The Ambassador informed that China wants to ease out the export of these products before the high level visit expected in May, 2020. Federal Minister welcomed the Chinese interest in the import of agricultural products.
Mr. Bakhtiar acknowledged the reactiveness of China to support Pakistan for locust issue and said it shows the strength of Pak – China relationship. Chairman National Disaster Management Authority, Lt. Gen. Muhammad Afzal, Secretary NFS and R Dr. Hashim Popalzai, Food Security Commissioner Dr. Syed Waseem ul Hassan and Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr. Khurshid Ahmed were also present in the meeting.
For more information, contact:
Ministry of National Food Security and Research
Government of Pakistan
Fax: +92-9210088
Website: http://www.mnfsr.gov.pk/