GILGIT: A two-day agriculture exhibition opened in Gilgit on the eve of World Food Day on Friday aimed to encourage farmers to produce organic food through training on modern methods.

Climate change-induced impacts have affected agriculture, fisheries and livestock in the region and made them vulnerable to food insecurity.

The event was organised by Gilgit-Baltistan Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department at Lalik Jan Stadium Gilgit. Farmers, entrepreneurs, investors from various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan have set up over 100 stalls showcasing local food, dry fruits, minerals, herbals, various breeds of livestock, fresh agricultural produce and value-added products.

A large number of people, tourists, business community members, farmers and officials visited the stalls. The buckwheat, sea buckthorn products, fresh apples, almond, herbal tea, apricot oil, Salajit, candies, fruit jams, natural honey products, homemade food products, handmade wooden products and other stalls remained the attraction of the event.

GB Chief Minister Amjad Hussain inaugurated the exhibition and visited different stalls and appreciated the organisers.

Speaking to media, he said his government was taking all possible measures to promote agriculture, livestock and fisheries.

He said the region’s climate was highly conducive to agricultural production and that the government was taking comprehensive measures to improve farmers’ economic conditions by promoting the use of modern technology.

Officials of the relevant departments told farmers about modern trends and technologies at the exhibition.

Usman Ahmed, Secretary Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department, told Dawn that it was the biggest harvest festival. He said the chief minister had started interventions to boost the sector. The event encourages local farmers to produce local products and also highlights the importance of local food products.

Muzamil Hussain, who has displayed handmade products, green, red chilies, cherry and apple jam at the exhibition, said through the event he was able to sell his products to customers directly.

Ijlal Hussain, president United Agriculture Development Cooperative Society Nagar, added that local people who had no access to sell products had the opportunity to sell directly and get contact with markets in other areas.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2026