First Pakistan Young Farmers Camp and Agrilympics (YFCA)

First Pakistan Young Farmers Camp and Agrilympics
27-29 May 2025
Karakoram International University Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Organized by the Agribusiness Support Fund (ASF)

Sixty young farmers and Agriculture and Management students from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan came together for three action-packed days of learning, adventure, innovation, and friendly competition— all designed to inspire and empower the next generation of agricultural changemakers.

The First Pakistan Young Farmers Camp and Agrilympics (YFCA) was held from 27-29 May 2025, at Karakoram International University in Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan. Organized by the Agribusiness Support Fund (ASF) through the APFP-FO4A project, and in collaboration with Karakoram International University and the Department of Agriculture, the event offered participants the opportunity to build their capacities, explore innovative agricultural techniques, and promote sustainable farming practices in the region.

In a region where agriculture remains vital to the economy, farming communities in Gilgit-Baltistan are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, resource scarcity, and market instability. YFCA addressed these challenges by promoting climate-smart practices, enhancing productivity, and encouraging the development of sustainable agribusiness models. The three-day camp was designed to tackle pressing issues faced by young farmers, including climate change, limited market access, and barriers to agribusiness development. Through hands-on training, expert-led sessions, and interactive discussions, YFCA aimed to equip young farmers with the tools and confidence needed to succeed as future agripreneurs.

Participants engaged in a variety of enriching sessions and activities. Experts led interactive training sessions demonstrating climate-smart agriculture, water-efficient farming, and organic techniques. Business development and market linkage sessions equipped participants with practical strategies on value chain enhancement, financial planning, and digital marketing for farm products. A focused session on agripreneurship and youth leadership provided insights into accessing finance and fostering innovation in the agricultural sector. The event also encouraged networking and collaboration, allowing young farmers to connect with agriculture specialists, business mentors, and fellow agripreneurs to exchange ideas and explore potential partnerships. The camp culminated in a certificate awarding ceremony that recognized participants’ commitment to learning and their potential to lead in transforming agriculture in their communities.

ASF’s continued commitment to youth empowerment was evident throughout the event. By providing training, resources, and networking opportunities, ASF supports the growth of a vibrant, youth-led agricultural sector in Pakistan’s rural communities. The YFCA is part of a broader mission to strengthen agriculture and promote inclusive rural development.

The Young Farmers Camp and Agrilympics (YFCA) aims to empower rural youth by showcasing that farming can be innovative, fun, and a viable livelihood, while promoting leadership, cooperation, and sustainability through interactive competitions, skills workshops, and knowledge sharing activities.

The YFCA is made possible through the support of the APFP-FO4A program, co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and implemented by the consortium Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC). Click here to know more about YFCA