QUETTA: The Agriculture Department of Balochistan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an Italian institute to promote agriculture and rural development.

The collaboration aims to establish a phytosanitary laboratory at the Agriculture Research Institute on Sariab Road in Quetta, with the support of International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies of Italy.

The agreement was signed at the office of Special Secretary of Agriculture Anees Tariq Gurgaij. As part of the partnership, the Italian government will train agriculture scientists of Balochistan to operate the lab.

The initiative is expected to aid olive growers in identifying and controlling pathogens and pests, ultimately boosting olive oil production and increasing income of local farmers

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2025