Barani Agriculture Training Institute, Chakwal signed a MoU with USAID Punjab Environment Enabling Project (PEEP) for establishment of Center of Excellence for Olive Research & Training (CEFORT) for development of olive valley and providing latest technology and training regarding olive production to farmers/ stakeholders.
Silwat Saeed, Special Secretary for Agriculture Marketing, Provincial Director of US Aid Lea Swanson, Dr Abid Mahmood, DGA (Research), Dr Tariq, Director BARI, Chakwal along with other stakeholders involved in project, witnessed the signing ceremony. Under this MoU, Government of Punjab will provide Rs 279.88 million while US Aid will share Rs 10.35 million for establishment of this centre.
Silwat Saeed, Special Secretary for Agriculture Marketing speaking on this occasion said that the establishment of CEFORT will fuel the growth of the olive sector in Punjab by supporting scientific research, and training olive farmers on how to boost the health and quality of their crops. It represents the collective efforts of USAID and the Punjab Agriculture Department to enable olive farmers and agribusinesses to capitalize on the potential offered by the emerging olive sector.
Provincial Director of USAID Lea Swanson said that Government of Punjab realizes the significance of the socio-economic opportunities offered by olive-producing regions. This initiative will not only support the department in implementing the project but will also create employment opportunities for the private sector. The Government of Punjab realizes the significance of the socio-economic opportunities offered by olive-producing regions.