ETI-GB Recognised for Agricultural Value Chain Development at Nagar Festival

ETI-GB receives recognition at Nagar's Harvest and Cultural Festival for supporting farmer cooperatives and agricultural value chains.

Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan | November 3, 2026

The Economic Transformation Initiative Gilgit-Baltistan (ETI-GB) has received recognition for its contribution to agricultural value-chain development and rural agribusiness in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The programme’s work was appreciated during a Liberation Day, Harvest and Cultural Festival held at Rakaposhi Viewpoint in Nagar.

According to an announcement shared by ETI-GB, Col. (Retd.) Iqtidar Hussain, Regional Programme Coordinator for the Gilgit Region, attended the festival, which was organised by the District Administration of Nagar in collaboration with the Nagar Agri-Cooperatives Network.

The event brought together government representatives, agricultural stakeholders, local communities and other distinguished guests to celebrate the region’s agricultural activities, cultural traditions and community initiatives.

Ministers appreciate ETI-GB's agricultural development work

Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Anwar Ali and Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad attended the programme.

Both ministers reportedly appreciated ETI-GB's contribution to strengthening agricultural value chains across Gilgit-Baltistan. Particular attention was given to its support for Village Agriculture Cooperatives (VACs), Public-Private-Producer Partnerships (4Ps) and other development interventions.

These initiatives aim to help farmers organise their activities, improve agricultural production, strengthen market connections and develop community-led agribusinesses.

The recognition highlights the importance of cooperation between government departments, farmer organisations, private businesses and development partners in improving rural livelihoods.

Village Agriculture Cooperatives at the centre of the programme

Village Agriculture Cooperatives are an important part of ETI-GB's approach to agricultural development. By organising farmers into cooperative groups, the programme seeks to address challenges faced by small-scale producers, including limited market access, fragmented production, quality control and difficulties in obtaining agricultural services.

According to ETI-GB's official programme information, more than 40,900 farmers have been organised under 162 formally registered Village Agriculture Cooperatives. The programme also reports investments exceeding PKR 1.4 billion to support agricultural value-chain activities involving approximately 20 commodities.

These activities include improvements in production, post-harvest management, processing, quality enhancement, collective marketing and connections with buyers and businesses.

The programme initially focused on important agricultural products such as apricots and potatoes, while also supporting other fruit, nut and vegetable value chains.

Public-private-producer partnerships connect farmers with markets

The 4Ps model is designed to connect agricultural producers with government institutions and private-sector businesses.

Under this approach, farmers can gain access to technical assistance, improved production practices, processing facilities and commercial market opportunities. Private companies, meanwhile, can develop more reliable supply chains for agricultural products.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has previously highlighted how ETI-GB-supported partnerships have helped apricot-producing communities in Hunza improve product quality, reduce losses and connect with businesses. Women from farming households have also participated in cooperative activities and value-added production, including products such as jams and juices.

These examples demonstrate how agricultural development programmes can create opportunities beyond primary farming by supporting processing, packaging and marketing.

A development programme supported by international partners

The Economic Transformation Initiative Gilgit-Baltistan is a development programme supported by the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, IFAD and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

Its wider objectives include improving rural household incomes, reducing poverty and strengthening agricultural production and market systems across the region.

ETI-GB's official website describes the programme as operating across all ten districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Its activities include agricultural value-chain development, irrigation and land development, farm-to-market roads and support for rural communities.

Agriculture, culture and community participation

The Nagar festival combined agricultural recognition with cultural celebrations and local community participation. Events of this kind provide an opportunity to highlight the role of farmers, cooperatives, public institutions and development organisations in the region's rural economy.

Recognition from government representatives also draws attention to the importance of sustained cooperation between agricultural communities and development partners.

As Gilgit-Baltistan continues to develop its agricultural and rural infrastructure, initiatives focused on cooperative farming, value addition and market access are expected to remain important elements of its economic development efforts.

By News National Editorial Team

Sources:

• ETI-GB official website: https://www.etigb.com.pk/

• ETI-GB Value Chain Development: https://www.etigb.com.pk/value-chain/

• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD): https://www.ifad.org/en/w/rural-voices/getting-good-grades-apricot-farmers-in-the-hunza-valley-strive-for-the-best

Event information: Announcement supplied for this report by the user.