Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain met with Mr. Stefan Schmitz, Executive Director of The Crop Trust, to discuss strengthening efforts to conserve and improve crop diversity across Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
The minister praised the Crop Trust’s role in preserving genetic resources and advancing resilient crop varieties, underlining the growing need for climate resistant and resilient crops as Pakistan faces changing weather patterns. He noted that safeguarding crop diversity is essential for long-term food security and for supporting farmers adapting to new environmental challenges.
During the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain formally invited the organisation to establish an office in the country to facilitate closer cooperation on research and development. Opening a local Crop Trust office would, the minister said, enhance joint R&D projects, speed collaboration with national research institutions and help tailor conservation efforts to Pakistan’s specific agroecological needs.
Both sides emphasised practical steps to strengthen collaboration in crop conservation and R&D, with the invitation seen as a move to deepen on-the-ground support for climate-resilient agriculture. The engagement signals an increased focus on aligning international expertise with Pakistan’s priorities in seed conservation and crop diversity management.
