EU Delegation Reviews Proposed Agriculture Policy and Action Plan for Gilgit-Baltistan
EU delegation visits Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (ALF) Gilgit-Baltistan
GILGIT, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - August 24, 2026) A delegation of the European Union (EU) visited the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (ALF) Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday and engaged in detailed discussions with senior officials regarding the proposed Agriculture Policy and Action Plan, along with the development priorities for the agricultural 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 team 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
- Ms. Zahra Khanum, Disaster Risk Management Expert
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Usman Ahmed, Secretary Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan. Present were the Director Agriculture Research, Directors of Agriculture for Gilgit, Baltistan and Diamer divisions, along with other senior, technical, and field officers from the department.
Participants delved into discussions about:
- The proposed Agriculture Policy of Gilgit-Baltistan
- Its Action Plan
- Measures necessary for sustainable development and modernization of agriculture
A strong emphasis 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
- Creating economic and employment opportunities for farmers, particularly youth
Mr. Usman Ahmed, Secretary Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, outlined the government's vision "From Farms to Future — Unlocking Jobs & Prosperity through Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries" and stressed that the new Agriculture Policy should provide a practical, implementable, and results-oriented roadmap for modernizing the agricultural sector, boosting farmers' incomes, and creating sustainable employment opportunities across Gilgit-Baltistan.
The EU delegation expressed appreciation for the policy formulation process and reiterated its commitment to providing technical cooperation and support for finalizing and effectively implementing the Agriculture Policy and Action Plan of Gilgit-Baltistan.