Islamabad: Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain announced the federal government's commitment to collaborate with provincial authorities to address farmers' concerns and bolster Pakistan's agriculture and livestock sectors. He made this declaration while presiding over a meeting attended by key provincial officials in Islamabad to review critical agricultural and livestock issues.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting emphasized the need for enhanced coordination between federal and provincial governments to tackle the challenges faced by farmers and livestock owners. A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement between the federal and Punjab governments to establish a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free zone along the motorway corridor in Punjab. This initiative aims to control and eradicate FMD in the province, contributing to the goal of an FMD-free Pakistan. The plan includes strengthening disease control, vaccination, movement management, and surveillance mechanisms along major livestock movement routes.

The meeting also highlighted the development of a disease surveillance system designed to continuously monitor the prevalence and spread of livestock diseases. Another critical topic discussed was the availability of fertilizers, particularly DAP. Participants reviewed the measures being implemented and stressed the importance of close coordination among relevant departments to ensure a steady supply, address potential shortages, and guarantee the timely availability of fertilizers to farmers.

Additionally, the meeting addressed issues related to the potato sector, with a focus on production planning, market access, and exports. Discussions included strategies to expand export destinations to create sustainable demand for Pakistani potatoes.