Pakistan Has Signed a €20 Million Concessional Loan Agreement With Italy to Strengthen Technical Capacity, Vocational Training, and Agricultural Extension Services Under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) National Reform Programme.
The agreement marks another step in bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Italy and aims to improve agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers across the country through modern skills development.
Loan Agreement Signed In Islamabad
The agreement was signed in Islamabad by Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Italian Ambassador Marilina Armellin.
The signing formalised financial support for the Professional Capacity Building and Extension in Agriculture project, which will be implemented under the TVET National Reform Programme.
According to official information, the initiative is designed to strengthen the professional capabilities of farmers, agricultural extension workers, trainers, and other stakeholders through modern and demand-driven training programmes.
The project seeks to equip participants with updated technical knowledge and practical skills that can improve farm productivity and increase agricultural efficiency.
Focus On Modern Agricultural Training
The programme will introduce advanced agricultural practices by combining Italian expertise with Pakistan’s farming potential.
Training activities will focus on improving cultivation methods, enhancing crop management, promoting sustainable farming techniques, and increasing value addition across the agricultural supply chain.
Officials believe the initiative will help farmers adopt modern production methods that improve crop quality while reducing production costs and environmental impacts.
The project also aims to strengthen agricultural extension services so that farmers receive better technical guidance and access to improved farming technologies.
Priority Crops Identified
The programme will initially focus on several high-value crops that have significant export and commercial potential.
These include olives, pistachios, dates, mushrooms, cherries, grapes, peaches, and almonds.
By introducing modern agronomic techniques and international best practices, the initiative seeks to improve yields, product quality, and market competitiveness for these crops.
Italian expertise in horticulture and sustainable farming is expected to play an important role in developing technical knowledge and improving production standards.
Pakistan Oilseed Department To Lead Implementation
The Pakistan Oilseed Department will implement the project in collaboration with provincial agriculture departments.
The partnership between federal and provincial institutions is expected to ensure effective delivery of training programmes across different agricultural regions.
Officials said coordinated implementation will help expand the reach of extension services while addressing the specific needs of farmers in various provinces.
The project will also involve trainers and agricultural professionals who will work directly with farming communities to improve technical knowledge and practical skills.
Project Expected To Boost Rural Economy
Beyond technical training, the initiative aims to generate wider economic benefits for Pakistan’s rural communities.
The project is expected to create new employment opportunities, increase farmers’ incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen farmer cooperatives.
Improved agricultural practices are also expected to enhance productivity and increase the competitiveness of Pakistan’s agriculture sector in both domestic and international markets.
Officials believe that greater investment in vocational education and agricultural extension services can contribute to long-term rural development while supporting food security and sustainable economic growth.
The €20 million concessional loan agreement reflects continued cooperation between Pakistan and Italy in promoting agricultural development through technical education, modern farming practices, and capacity building.