ETI-GB is a flagship development program of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). Originally launched in 2015 for seven years, as a $120 million development program by the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). ETI-GB has now grown into the region’s flagship development program over the past decade. With an extension through 2029 and a scaled-up budget of $133.72 million, it has transitioned from a short-term ( 2015-2022) intervention into a lasting pillar of regional growth. With a mandate to improve the livelihoods of 100,000 rural households, ETI-GB prioritises transparency and measurable results. We share lessons learned, best practices, and key achievements to support policy reforms and sustainable development across the region.

As of July 31st, 2026, ETI-GB has undertaken 246 infrastructure projects covering Irrigation and Land Development, Farm-to-Market Roads, and bridges? Under IFAD financing, ETI-GB manages 223 projects. These include 102 irrigation schemes covering over 53,912 acres, 106 road projects totalling 528 kilometres, and 15 bridges measuring 480 meters. Of these, 196 projects are completed, while 27 are currently ongoing. Under Italian financing through AICS, there are 23 projects. These consist of six irrigation schemes covering 2,219 acres and 17 road projects spanning 74 kilometres. One project is completed, and 22 are ongoing. Overall, ETI-GB’s total portfolio includes 108 irrigation schemes covering 56,131 acres, 123 road projects totalling 602 kilometres, and 15 bridges. To date, 197 projects have been completed, with 49 remaining ongoing.

From 2015 to 2025, ETI-GB’s Agriculture Value Chain interventions benefited over 50,000 farmers across Gilgit-Baltistan. Key interventions included seed potato multiplication—supporting 99 seed stores and cellars, 34 machinery units, and seven 50-metric-ton potato seed facilities, which benefited over 2,000 farmers. For apricot value addition, support was provided for 513 orchards, 72 plant nurseries, and eight processing facilities, benefiting nearly 6,000 farmers. The program also supported a dairy pilot project benefiting 360 farmers, while 162 Village Agriculture Cooperatives and vertical farming initiatives reached over 40,000 farmers. Altogether, these interventions strengthened production, value addition, market-oriented farming, and local farmer organizations.

In 2022, during its 16th Cabinet meeting, the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan approved the Land Titling Policy for ETI-GB-developed land. Consequently, the digitization of land records and the land titling process are currently underway in collaboration with the GB Board of Revenue and the Punjab Land Records Authority. Additionally, the Provincial Water Policy, Road Master Plan, and Operations and Maintenance Policy have been finalised and are ready for presentation to the Cabinet for approval.