ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Italy have signed a €20 million (approximately Rs. 6.3 billion) concessional loan agreement aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s technical and vocational education and training system in the agriculture sector.
The agreement was signed by Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Italian Ambassador Marilina Armellin.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the project will introduce modern, market-oriented training programs to enhance the capacity of farmers and agricultural extension workers. The initiative aims to increase agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, and improve the economic conditions of rural communities.
The program will focus on developing high-value crops and strengthening agricultural and food value chains. Specialized training centers will be established for individuals involved in horticultural production, processing, and marketing. Priority crops include olives, pistachios, dates, mushrooms, cherries, grapes, peaches, and almonds.
The ministry stated that the project will leverage Italy’s advanced agricultural expertise alongside Pakistan’s vast agricultural potential. Over a period of 42 months, the program will conduct 720 training courses, benefiting 18,398 participants. In addition, 11 standardized training curricula will be developed for the agriculture sector.
The project also includes the establishment of 12 model orchards and nurseries, eight climate-resilient eco-villages, five agri-food processing units, and two National Centers of Excellence. The centers will specialize in citrus production in Sargodha and date production in Turbat.
Implementation of the project will be carried out by the Pakistan Oilseed Department in collaboration with provincial agriculture departments.
Officials believe the initiative will create new employment opportunities in rural areas, increase farmers’ incomes, strengthen agricultural value chains, and reduce post-harvest losses.
