Staff Reporter
Islamabad
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Kwak Sung-kyu called on Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar in Islamabad.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea committed to provide two hundred thousand US dollars (US $200,000/-) to support Pakistan Government’s efforts to control devastating outbreaks of desert locust in the extensive areas of Pakistan. Ambassador Mr. Kwak hopes this assistance will be instrumental in effectively controlling the current spreads of locust swarms in Pakistan.
This project will be implemented in cooperation with not only the Ministry of National Food Security & Research and but also international organizations such as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Federal minister expressed gratitude for the supportive gesture from South Korean government. He said a national action plan has been implemented by Pakistan government to combat menace of locust. The Minister informed Ambassador Mr. Kwak that availability of pesticides at reasonable prices has been difficult due to increasing demand in international market.
Federal minister said our federal and provincial departments are working together with NDMA to control locust and more close coordination with FAO is necessary. Secretary National food security and research said we have specific requirements to overcome locust issue. We require more Aerial assistance (plane) for spray on affected areas in Balochistan and other provinces, he added.
The Ambassador showed concern on the unusual movement of locust as it is moving from Sindh to Punjab this time which is alarming. Mr. Ambassador further said that KOPIA centre will open in June this year to facilitate Pakistan in agriculture. He ensured all possible support from Korean government in this regard.
Federal minister said establishment of KOPIA centre in Islamabad will promote agricultural cooperation between the two countries and a MoU will be signed soon in this regard.
