KARACHI: A Dutch-based entity Zilt Proefbedrijf has shown interest to set up a joint venture in the agriculture sector to take advantage for salt-tolerant plant species in Pakistan, according to an official at Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
According to the official, a meeting of the Commerce Ministry officials occurred with Zilt Proefbedrijf in Hague in October, reports The News.
And the official added the Dutch were meeting with the appropriate bodies to explore the chances in this regard and the meeting also deliberated development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and GSP+ status.
Zilt Proefbedrijf, for a decade, has been researching the salt tolerance of existing, conventional agricultural crops which could give food in saline areas.
This offers the Dutch a chance to not only become the leaders in research into saline cultivation but become the foremost globally in the actual development and marketing of new salt tolerant plant varieties.
Also, the official stated Zit was interested in exploring investment chances in developing and marketing salt tolerant plant varieties.
However, experts believe considering the rising dearth of freshwater globally, there is an immediate need to focus on a nature-based solution to fight the challenges posed by food insecurity.
The yearly cost of crop losses from the issue has been projected in a range of Rs15 billion to Rs55 billion.
As per the FAO study, the reforestation of salt-affected soils is possible with the assistance of proper site preparation, choice of species and nurturing of nursery and planting techniques.
