Pakistan and Italy have signed a concessional loan agreement amounting to 20 million euros.
The loan is aimed at supporting the Professional Capacity Building and Extension in Agriculture project under Pakistan’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) National Reform Programme.
Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Italian Ambassador Marilina Armellin signed the agreement in Islamabad today.
The initiative is designed to build the capacity of farmers, extension workers, trainers, and other stakeholders through modern, demand-driven training programmes that contribute to increased productivity, sustainable agricultural practices, and improved livelihoods.
The project will focus on crops including olives, pistachios, dates, mushrooms, cherries, grapes, peaches, and almonds, drawing upon Italian expertise in modern agronomic practices and Pakistan’s significant agricultural potential.
The project will be implemented by the Pakistan Oilseed Department in coordination with the Provincial Agriculture Departments and is expected to generate rural employment, enhance producer incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen farmer cooperatives, and improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
