March 18th 2015
Dutch Innovation in Agri-Business at the Dawn Sarsabz Agri Expo in Lahore
http://.pakistan.nlembassy.org
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Agricultural innovations from Holland will feature prominently at the Dawn Sarsabz Agri Expo in
Lahore on March 19th and 20th. A stand manned by the Dutch Embassy will explain the opportunities
for doing business with Holland, a hotbed of innovation in agriculture.
Through constant innovation, Holland has become known as an agricultural powerhouse. A prime
example of Dutch creativity are the salt-resistant potatoes that were developed in Holland and are
now being piloted in saline areas in southern Punjab and Sindh. Such genetic improvements could
prove profitable in Pakistan, feeding millions. The Holland stand will explain about this new potato
species and its potential for Pakistan.
Another example is the availability of the superior Dutch dairy cows to Pakistan. Holland is home to
the Holstein Frisian cows which were bred to genetic perfection over the centuries. No other animal
worldwide has such high and reliable yields – even in hot climates. Since the lifting of import
restrictions in October 2014, these animals can now help Pakistan’s dairy farms greatly improve their
production.
The Holland stand will provide a lot of information about these world-class cattle. Dr Robert Back, a
senior veterinarian specializing in Dutch dairy cattle, flew in especially for the occasion. He will provide
visitors to the Holland stand expertise and advice on handling the Dutch cattle and answer any
question they may have. On March 17th and 18th he also visited dairy farms in northern Punjab to get
a firsthand understanding of the context, and to advise on current dairy management practices.
Rick Slettenhaar, Trade Counsellor for Holland, said: “Holland has so many improvements and
solutions to offer when it comes to agri-business. Despite its small surface, it produces 4 times more
food than its population needs, and has become the world’s 2nd agricultural exporter! Dutch firms are
eager to share their expertise with Pakistani business partners.”
Holland continuously improves agricultural products and methods. 65% of registered new plant
varieties come from Holland, and the country has created important improvements in agricultural
methods – such as innovative lighting, smart water and waste recycling, and greenhouses that
generate more energy than they consume. These examples and others will be explained at the Holland
stand at the Dawn Sarsabz Agri Expo.
Rick Slettenhaar added: “Holland’s official goal is to double the production, double the quality and
halve the required resources in our agri-food sector. The improvements we are making can also
benefit Pakistan’s growing agricultural sector. I am excited to share this expertise and make mutually
beneficial introductions at the Dawn Sarsabz Agri Expo.”
The Dawn Sarsabz Agri Expo, held at the Lahore Expo Centre, receives thousands of visitors each year
and is rapidly becoming one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Pakistan.