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LAHORE, Jul 15 (APP):A high-level delegation led by Punjab’s Minister for Agriculture, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, visited the headquarters of the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) in Egypt, where both sides held detailed discussions on mutual interests, including food protection and food safety.
The delegation included Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Usama Khan Leghari, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Directors General Agriculture Ch. Abdul Hameed and Naveed Asmat Kahloon, progressive farmer Hassan Raza, and other key officials.
The delegation was warmly received by Chairman of Egypt’s NFSA, Tarek El-Houby.
Minister Kirmani briefed the Egyptian officials on the measures taken by Punjab government regarding food safety and also appreciated Egypt’s successful model. Both parties agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of food safety and expressed willingness for future collaboration through exchange of experiences, joint planning and long-term partnership.
The minister remarked that, just like food security, food safety is equally important, as healthy food is essential for a healthy life.
He added that the government of Punjab is fully committed to establishing a distinct status for the province in terms of food safety and is utilising all possible resources to achieve the goal. He also noted that practical steps are being taken to improve crop quality and productivity in Punjab, while international standard methods are being adopted to ensure minimal and safe use of agricultural pesticides on food crops.
Kirmani further said that an effective awareness campaign on food safety is currently underway in Punjab, which is yielding positive results.
During the meeting, officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing mutual cooperation in the area of food safety.