JICA arranges 3-day Farmers Training Programme at NARC

ISLAMABAD: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Pakistan, arranged a three-day Farmers Training Programme at the National Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Islamabad, as a follow-up cooperation on the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) – Agriculture Extension Planning and Management (2018).

The training, held from November 24–26 at the NARC, concluded on Wednesday.

The current group marks the second batch of farmers receiving specialized training under the programme.

This initiative was part of JICA’s ongoing capacity-building support in 2025. Earlier this year, one batch of Agriculture Officers (AOs) completed their training in July, followed by two batches of Field Assistants (FAs) in August and September.

Another two batches of FAs training will be implemented in the next few months. The current group marks the second batch of farmers receiving specialized training under the programme.

To date, 100 participants—including AOs, FAs, and farmers from the merged districts (MDs)—have benefited from enhanced technical knowledge and practical agricultural skills. The initiative continues to strengthen extension services and promote the adoption of modern, sustainable farming practices across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A senior representative of JICA, speaking about the programme, emphasized that the training serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, hands-on learning, and exposure to innovative agricultural techniques aimed at empowering farming communities.

This capacity-building program was jointly organized by JICA, NARC, and the Directorate General Agriculture Extension, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (DGAE-KP), with the shared goal of supporting agricultural development and strengthening farming communities in the merged districts.

The training covers key areas such as modern crop production practices, efficient input and water-use management, high-value agriculture, and value-chain development in addition to field demonstrations and practical learning sessions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025