LAHOREChief Executive Officer Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR), Dr. Nick Austin called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif here Saturday and discussed with him matters regarding research and cooperation in agriculture sector. Provincial Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Acting High Commissioner Australia Paul Molloy and Vice Chancellor Agriculture University Faisalabad were also present on this occasion. Talking to Dr Nick Austin, the Chief Minister said that agriculture is the backbone of our national economy and the Punjab government is paying special attention to uplift this sector. He said that vast opportunities of exports existed in agriculture and livestock sectors. He told the guests that Punjab government was going to participate in International Green Week to be held in Burlin, Germany, next month where Pakistan will be represented through products like agriculture produces, fruit, livestock and dairy. He said that Pakistan is one of those leading countries which produce wheat, cotton, fruit and milk and meat has been exported from Punjab for the first time in the history of the country. He said that the project of Star Farm has also been started in Punjab whereas two billion rupees have been allocated for encouraging the farmers in order to increase the agriculture production. Dr Nick Nick Austin appreciated the initiatives of Punjab government for the development of agriculture sector and said that ACIAR will cooperate with Punjab government for research and development in agriculture sector.