In order to strengthen relations between the Dutch and Pakistani agricultural sectors, the Dutch Embassy in Islamabad invited Romke Wustman, an agriculture expert to visit Pakistan to discuss the latest agricultural technologies, innovations and ideas with stakeholders.
During his four-to-five day visit, Wustman held meetings at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and the Hazara Agricultural Research Station and participated in a seminar at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute. He also delivered lectures at the Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University and Faisalabad Agricultural University and met members of various chambers of commerce and farmers associations.
The Dutchman, who is a potato specialist, stressed the need for a more active role of the private sector in the provision of quality seed to Pakistani growers in order to enhance the per acre yield.
He agreed with a proposal that the private sector of Pakistan should step forward and set up some institute in collaboration with his country's agricultural sector for promoting research, producing quality seeds and tackling various issues being faced by the Pakistani growers of different crops. He said his country was the second largest agricultural exporter in the world after the United States and a global market leader in dairy, potatoes, tomatoes, onions and of course flowers. He said Pakistani growers could consult his country's companies about their issues and import seeds which could resolve issues being faced by any crop in their specific areas.
