Islamabad: Pakistan and Italy have signed a concessional loan agreement amounting to 20 million euros. The agreement aims to support the Professional Capacity Building and Extension in Agriculture project under Pakistan's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) National Reform Programme.
According to Radio Pakistan, Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Italian Ambassador Marilina Armellin signed the agreement in Islamabad. The initiative is designed to enhance the skills of farmers, extension workers, trainers, and other stakeholders through modern, demand-driven training programmes. These efforts are intended to boost productivity, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and improve livelihoods.
The project will focus on a variety of crops, including olives, pistachios, dates, mushrooms, cherries, grapes, peaches, and almonds. It will leverage Italian expertise in modern agronomic practices alongside Pakistan's substantial agricultural potential.
The Pakistan Oilseed Department, in coordination with the Provincial Agriculture Departments, will implement the project. Expected outcomes include generating rural employment, increasing producer incomes, reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening farmer cooperatives, and enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistan's agriculture sector.
