EU Reiterates Support For Climate-resilient Agriculture In Gilgit-Baltistan
EU Ambassador to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, has reaffirmed the EU's support for sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural development in Gilgit-Baltistan, aiming to improve livelihoods and enhance community resilience against climate change. He made these remarks at a high-level meeting during the launch of the proposed Agriculture Policy and Action Plan 2027–2036 for Gilgit-Baltistan, developed under the EU Policy Support Project for the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Karoblis further emphasized the European Union's commitment to strengthening economic self-reliance among communities affected by climate change and promoting innovation and sustainability in agriculture. He promised that the EU will extend its technical and financial cooperation with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming years to support agricultural transformation and economic prosperity.
Key Event Details:
- Attendees: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Anwar Ali, Secretary Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Usman Ahmed, senior officials from the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, Team Leader of the EU Policy Support Project Ashab Ullah Baig, and Agriculture Expert Zafar Khan.
- Presentation: A detailed overview was presented on the proposed agriculture policy's key features, vision, and 10-year action plan. It highlighted challenges such as fragmented landholdings, limited access to modern facilities, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure, contributing to significant fruit production losses.
The proposed policy aims to modernize the agricultural sector, strengthen market linkages, and support the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister's vision of creating employment and prosperity through agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. It promotes organic farming, carbon farming, and climate-smart agriculture as sustainable development paths.
The 10-year action plan is divided into three phases: Foundation (2027–2029), Expansion (2030–2032), and Consolidation (2033–2036). Key priorities include establishing farmers' cooperatives, expanding cold-chain and processing facilities, improving productivity, value addition, and enhancing market access.
At the event's conclusion, representatives and senior officials from the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan expressed gratitude to the EU Ambassador and his team for the European Union's technical and financial support.