Pakistan’s rice exports have surged by 85.83% in the first eight months of this financial year, reaching over 3.932 million metric tons valued at $2.517 billion. Basmati Rice exports have also risen by 38.43% during this period. This growth in rice exports contributes to Pakistan’s overall export growth.

The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne, aims to increase bilateral trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to $800 million, believing there is untapped potential. The current bilateral trade potential is $1 billion, achievable through cooperation in various sectors.

Chinese and Pakistani volunteers distributed gift bags filled with flour, rice, and cooking oil to underprivileged children in Islamabad. The heartwarming gesture aims to support the children and their families during Ramadan and brings immense joy and happiness to their lives.

Seed breeders and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) are demanding greater representation in government initiatives to promote the agriculture sector. They highlight the importance of controlling the seed mafia and call for inclusion on the new National Seed Development & Regulatory Authority.

Pakistan rice exporters are experiencing a surge in demand for white broken rice due to its affordability and versatility. This variety has become increasingly popular in international markets, leading to increased revenue and employment opportunities in the country’s rice export industry.

Food group exports from Pakistan have shown significant growth, with an increase of 54.05% during the first eight months of the current financial year. Rice exports saw a growth of 85.83%, while fruits and vegetables also experienced positive growth. Moreover, the country’s food imports declined by 18.33% during the same period. These statistics highlight the success of Pakistan’s food export industry and its competitiveness in the global market.

Larry Lacson, a seasoned official from the Department of Agriculture (DA), has been appointed as the new Officer-in-Charge Administrator of the National Food Authority (NFA). His appointment aims to ensure integrity and efficiency in the wake of a scandal involving the alleged improper sale of rice stocks. Lacson’s extensive experience and vision for NFA reform offer hope for restoring public trust.

Pakistan’s Hi-tec Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) commends the government’s efforts to enhance the agriculture sector and establish the National Seed Development & Regulatory Authority. They express optimism for the future of the industry and its potential to contribute to economic growth.

Punjab has the potential to generate an exportable surplus of wheat, cotton, basmati rice, and maize through the use of high-yielding hybrid seeds, according to Shahzad Ali Malik, Chairman of PHHSA. However, Malik criticized the lack of representation for PHHSA in the NSDRA and called for government support in expediting the approval of researched seed varieties. He also highlighted the importance of utilizing certified high-yielding quality seeds to take Pakistan’s agriculture to new heights.

National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) proposes to become an alternative rice importer and producer to stabilize prices and ensure adequate supply. This move aims to counter the influence of cartels and offer rice at reasonable prices to combat rising living costs. The issue of white rice shortages caused by local cartels will be addressed at the upcoming NACCOL meeting.