A two-day agriculture exhibition, the Gilgit-Baltistan Harvest Expo 2026, opened in Gilgit on Friday, on the eve of World Food Day. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain pledged to modernise agriculture, livestock and fisheries to strengthen the regional economy.

Background

Gilgit-Baltistan has limited farmland because of its mountainous terrain, and farming and livestock are important sources of income for many families. Much of what residents consume, from dairy products to meat, still comes from other parts of the country.

Provincial Agriculture Secretary Usman Ahmed said the region imports dairy products, eggs, meat and other goods worth about Rs40 billion every year from other areas. The expo was presented as a step towards reducing that dependence by promoting local production.

Details

Ahmed described Harvest Expo 2026 as the first major expo of its kind in the region, with 109 stalls. Dawn reported that the exhibition runs for two days and opened ahead of World Food Day, which is marked on October 16.

At the opening, the chief minister said the government would help local farmers reach international markets for their produce and provide modern technology, machinery and other essential resources. He said that despite the shortage of agricultural land, modern research and technology could improve productivity, and that timely planning and rural development were essential for creating better opportunities for future generations.

The government has also set a target for livestock. The chief minister said Gilgit-Baltistan has roughly four million livestock animals, and the aim is to double that number to eight million. He said the focus would be on value addition, effective marketing and adopting international standards across productive sectors.

Ahmed announced that the government is introducing a farmers’ card for the first time to facilitate and support local farmers. He added that preparations are under way to build the region’s capacity to export livestock.

Quotes

Speaking to the audience, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain said agriculture, livestock and fisheries would be modernised to improve public prosperity and strengthen the regional economy. The agriculture secretary said the expo is the first of its scale in the region and linked it to the need to cut the annual import bill.

Impact

If the plans succeed, they could keep more money in the local economy by replacing some imported goods with local products. A farmers’ card could also give growers easier access to support and services, although details of how it will work have not been shared.

The livestock targets are ambitious, since doubling the herd would need better feed, veterinary services and market links. Export plans will also depend on meeting international quality standards, which the chief minister said the government wants to adopt.

Conclusion

The expo’s second day will give visitors more time to meet farmers and explore the stalls. Farmers and businesses will be waiting for more information on the farmers’ card, livestock export preparations and the support promised for modern equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gilgit-Baltistan Harvest Expo 2026?
It is a two-day agriculture exhibition that opened in Gilgit on Friday, October 16, 2026, the eve of World Food Day. The provincial agriculture secretary described it as the first major expo of its kind in the region, with 109 stalls. The chief minister attended and spoke about modernising agriculture, livestock and fisheries.

What did the Gilgit-Baltistan government announce at the expo?
Chief Minister Amjad Hussain pledged to help farmers reach international markets and to provide modern technology and machinery. He said the region has about four million livestock animals and aims to raise that to eight million. The agriculture secretary announced that a farmers’ card is being introduced for the first time and that preparations are under way to develop the region’s capacity to export livestock.

Why is agriculture a focus for Gilgit-Baltistan?
According to the agriculture secretary, the region imports dairy products, eggs, meat and other goods worth about Rs40 billion a year from other areas. Officials say modern research, better technology, value addition and stronger marketing can raise local output despite limited farmland, and help the region rely less on imports.