ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Italy have entered into a concessional loan agreement valued at 20 million euros, aimed at enhancing agricultural capacity through a targeted initiative under Pakistan’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training National Reform Programme.

According to Radio Pakistan, the agreement was signed by Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim and Italian Ambassador Marilina Armellin in Islamabad. The loan will support the Professional Capacity Building and Extension in Agriculture project, which is designed to improve the skills of farmers, extension workers, trainers, and other stakeholders through modern training programs. These programs are intended to increase productivity, promote sustainable practices, and improve livelihoods in the agricultural sector.

The project will focus on various crops, including olives, pistachios, dates, mushrooms, cherries, grapes, peaches, and almonds. It will leverage Italian expertise in modern agronomic practices while tapping into Pakistan’s agricultural potential. The initiative, to be implemented by the Pakistan Oilseed Department in coordination with Provincial Agriculture Departments, aims to generate rural employment, enhance producer incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen farmer cooperatives, and improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s agriculture sector.