By Sultan Shoaib GILGIT, Aug 24 (APP):A delegation of the European Union (EU) visited the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (ALF) Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday and held detailed discussions with senior officials on the proposed Agriculture Policy and Action Plan, as well as priorities for the development of the agriculture sector in Gilgit-Baltistan. The EU delegation was led by Ms. Barbara Rixon, Counsellor, EU Delegation Office Islamabad and Head of …
EU delegation reviews proposed agriculture policy and action plan for Gilgit-Baltistan
By Sultan Shoaib
GILGIT, Aug 24 (APP):A delegation of the European Union (EU) visited the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (ALF) Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday and held detailed discussions with senior officials on the proposed Agriculture Policy and Action Plan, as well as priorities for the development of the agriculture sector in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The EU delegation was led by Ms. Barbara Rixon, Counsellor, EU Delegation Office Islamabad and Head of Economy, Cooperation, Investment and Rural Development. The delegation included Mr. Alejandro Matos, First Secretary and Programme Manager for Energy and Climate Change; Mr. Ashab Baig, Team Leader, EU Policy Support Project; Dr. Zafar Khan, Mountain Agriculture Expert; Mr. Sajid Ali Khan, Irrigation Expert; and Ms. Zahra Khanum, Disaster Risk Management Expert.
The meeting was chaired on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries by Mr. Usman Ahmed, Secretary Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Director Agriculture Research, Directors Agriculture of Gilgit, Baltistan and Diamer divisions, and other senior, technical and field officers of the department also attended the meeting.
The participants held detailed deliberations on the proposed Agriculture Policy of Gilgit-Baltistan, its Action Plan and measures required to ensure sustainable development and modernization of the agriculture sector.
Particular focus was placed on increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening research and extension services, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, improving irrigation and efficient water use, strengthening value chains and market linkages, and creating economic and employment opportunities for farmers, particularly the youth.
The Secretary Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries briefed the delegation on the government’s vision, “From Farms to Future — Unlocking Jobs & Prosperity through Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries,” and emphasized that the new Agriculture Policy should provide a practical, implementable and results-oriented roadmap to modernize the agriculture sector, increase farmers’ incomes and create sustainable employment opportunities across Gilgit-Baltistan.
The EU delegation appreciated the process of formulating the Agriculture Policy and reaffirmed its commitment to continue providing technical cooperation and support for finalizing and effectively implementing the Agriculture Policy and Action Plan of Gilgit-Baltistan.
