ISLAMABAD-In what seems to be a good news for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and tourists, the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd (ZTBL) on Tuesday announced establishment of ‘Agri Tourists Orchards’ where tourists can stay, enjoy and buy agriculture produce of farmers in real time environment.
Gilgit-Baltistan is primarily a rural society with agriculture as primary occupation. The main strength of the economy of the area largely depends on dry fruits and agriculture. More than 1.6 million local and international tourists visit the scenic Gilgit-Baltistan valley every year.
Unfortunately, poor farmers in Gigit-Baltistan cannot benefit from the inflow of tourists because of exploitation by intermediaries/middlemen.
In order to…