Islamabad: A concessional loan agreement worth 20 million
euros (approximately Rs. 6.3 billion) was signed between Pakistan and Italy.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the agreement
was signed by Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Muhammad Hamir
Karim, and the Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, Marelena Armelin.
The project aims to strengthen Pakistan’s Technical and
Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in the agricultural sector and
enhance the capacity of farmers and agricultural extension staff through
modern, market-relevant training programs.
During the 42-month program, 720 training courses will be
organized, benefiting a total of 18,398 people.
Under the project, 11 standard training curricula will be
developed for the agricultural sector, while 12 model gardens and nurseries, 8
climate-resilient, eco-friendly villages, 5 agro-food processing units and 2
national centers of excellence will also be established.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs said that the project will
focus on high-value crops, including olives, pistachios, dates, mushrooms,
cherries, grapes, arro and almonds, and national centers of excellence will be
established for the production of quinoa and malta in Sargodha and date palm in
Turbat.
Officials further said that the project will be implemented
by the Pakistan Oilseed Department in collaboration with the provincial
agriculture department. The program aims to increase agricultural production,
promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve the rural economy, increase
farmers' income, create new employment opportunities and reduce post-harvest
losses.
Post a Comment