By Tanveer Ahmed
GILGIT: The Economic Transformation Initiative (ETI), supported by international funding, is set to bring a major agricultural revolution to Gilgit-Baltistan through targeted interventions including barren land reclamation, improved market access, farmer training, soil testing, and school-level agricultural awareness programs, Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (R) Yaar Muhammad Nasir said.
Addressing participants after an ETI briefing, the Chief Minister highlighted that while arable land in the region is limited, converting barren land into cultivable areas could usher in a new era of agricultural development. He detailed a Rs 27 billion barren land reclamation project, a landmark initiative implemented jointly by the Federal Government and the Government of Italy.
Justice Nasir stressed that mandatory soil testing is essential to ensure crops are suited to local conditions, maximizing productivity. He also highlighted the need for comprehensive farmer training based on modern research and technology, as well as easy-term agricultural loans to help farmers procure seeds and fertilizers, boosting output and livelihoods.
Noting the socio-economic importance of agriculture, the Caretaker Chief Minister said the majority of the population depends on it for income. He added that school-based agriculture awareness programs, led by Agriculture Tech Fellows, will help instil modern farming practices among the younger generation.
He further called for urgent legislation to address long-standing issues around land development, ownership, and water access, emphasizing that clear legal frameworks are crucial to accelerate land reclamation and overall agricultural growth in the region.
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