The initiative not only aims at economic benefits but also seeks to alleviate poverty in rural areas through sustainable agricultural practices
The Punjab government has announced an ambitious initiative to cultivate approximately 50 million olive trees across 10 million acres of land by 2026. This project aims to enhance local production of edible oil, which is currently heavily reliant on imports, costing around $4.5 billion annually.
Olive farming is expected to provide numerous benefits, including nutritional advantages and the utilization of waste products from olive processing.
Currently, Pakistan has about 5 million cultivated olive trees and a significant number of wild olive trees, estimated at over 8 million. These wild trees are being grafted to improve their yield and quality.
The primary regions identified for this initiative include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Punjab, particularly the Pothohar region, which is deemed highly suitable for olive cultivation due to its climate and soil conditions.
The project is seen as a catalyst for economic development, with expectations that it will not only meet local edible oil needs but also create opportunities for exports. In 2022, Pakistan became the 19th member of the International Olive Council (IOC) and exported olive oil worth $1.9 million. Experts believe that increasing domestic production will significantly reduce reliance on imports and enhance food security.
To support this growing sector, there is a pressing need for increased awareness, training, infrastructure development, and access to quality tools and testing facilities. The government plans to establish new olive processing mills and improve branding and marketing strategies for olive products. Training programs have already been initiated for farmers to enhance their skills in olive cultivation and management.
With millions of wild olives being grafted and new plantations underway, the outlook for olive farming in Pakistan appears promising. By 2024, it is anticipated that the country will have around 3 million fruit-bearing olive plants, producing an estimated value of Rs 4.416 billion in olive oil.
According to Olive Growing Project Director Azeem Tariq, the country currently has five million planted and a higher number of wild olive trees.
He said that olive farming in Pakistan would not only help in meeting the local needs for edible oil but also have many secondary benefits.
He also stressed the need for increased awareness, training, infrastructure development, access to tools, quality testing, storage, packaging, branding and marketing facilities to support the growing sector.
“People use olive oil and olive-based products not only for their nutritional and culinary value but also because of their religious significance,” he explained.