Pakistan and Italy have formalized a concessional loan agreement worth EUR 20 million (approximately Rs6.3 billion) to support the Professional Capacity Building and Extension in Agriculture project, part of Pakistan’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) National Reform Programme.
Signing Ceremony and Key Officials
The agreement was signed in Islamabad by Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, representing Pakistan, and Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy, representing the Italian government. Senior officials from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, and provincial agriculture departments were also present.
Project Objectives and Focus Areas
The initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s TVET system with a specific emphasis on the agriculture sector. It will enhance professional skills, improve technical certification, and promote innovation across agricultural value chains. The project is designed to build the capacity of farmers, extension workers, trainers, and other stakeholders through modern, demand-driven training programmes, contributing to increased productivity, sustainable agricultural practices, and improved livelihoods.
Emphasis will be placed on the development of high-value crops and the strengthening of agro-food value chains. Dedicated training facilities will support stakeholders engaged in horticulture production, processing, and marketing, while fostering product diversification and value addition. 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.
Training and Infrastructure Details
Over a period of 42 months, the programme will deliver 720 training courses benefiting an estimated 18,398 participants, including farmers, women, youth, and trainers. This will be supported by the development of 11 standardized training curricula. Infrastructure investments will include the establishment of 12 model orchards and nurseries, 8 eco-villages equipped with climate-resilient technologies, 5 agro-food processing units, and 2 National Centres of Excellence for citrus and date crops in Sargodha (Punjab) and Turbat (Balochistan).
Implementation and Expected Impact
The project will be implemented by the Pakistan Oilseed Department in coordination with Provincial Agriculture Departments. It 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. The signing of this agreement reflects the strong and longstanding development partnership between Pakistan and Italy and underscores their shared commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural development, skills enhancement, and inclusive economic growth through strengthened bilateral cooperation.
