International markets: Pakistani rice must command premium value: Gilani
KARACHI: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has called for a strategic transformation of Pakistan’s agriculture sector, shifting the focus from expanding production volumes to quality-driven, high-value and export-oriented production. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Export Trophy Awards ceremony here on Monday night, the Chairman Senate…
On Monday night, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressed the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan's (REAP) Export Trophy Awards ceremony, commending the industry's hard work and urging a strategic shift in Pakistan's agriculture sector. Rather than solely concentrating on expanding production volumes, Gilani called for a focus on producing quality rice that can be competitively priced in international markets.
Currently, Pakistan produces approximately 10 million tons of rice annually. Gilani, who hails from South Punjab, emphasized the importance of advanced agricultural research, modern milling techniques, consistent quality control, national branding, and the development of value-added products to enhance the rice's market value. He expressed his pride in the farming community and reaffirmed the House of Federation's support for policy initiatives to bolster Pakistan's agrarian economy.
Gilani also lauded REAP for its role in unifying the rice sector and outlined a goal of achieving a USD5 billion export target for Pakistani rice.
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