In a significant move to tackle its reliance on costly imported edible oils, Pakistan has outlined an ambitious national program to develop a sustainable olive industry by cultivating nearly one million acres of land, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain announced at a major international forum in Spain.
Representing the country at the 122nd Session of the Council of Members of the International Olive Council (IOC) in Córdoba, the minister detailed a strategy aimed at transforming Pakistan’s agricultural landscape and bolstering its economy.
During his address to global ministers and industry leaders, Mr. Hussain expressed gratitude to Spanish Agriculture Minister Luis Planas and IOC officials for their hospitality. He acknowledged supportive comments from IOC representatives during a prior virtual session on November 11, 2025.
The minister stressed that Pakistan’s commitment to a competitive olive value chain is driven by two critical national priorities: slashing the country’s dependence on foreign edible oils and generating new livelihood opportunities for rural populations.
He noted that the nation possesses millions of wild olive trees and vast tracts of marginal land ideally suited for olive farming. A significant milestone has already been achieved over the past decade, with 50,000 acres successfully brought under olive plantations, diversifying the country’s agricultural sector.
This national initiative is a multifaceted development effort that also combats land degradation, supports climate adaptation, and strengthens local economies, Mr. Hussain explained. The country has steadily developed a robust infrastructure to support this growth, including 51 extraction units, 14 nurseries, six fruit processing facilities, and four quality testing laboratories equipped with sensory evaluation capabilities.
The program has also focused on human capital, with thousands of women and young people receiving training across the value chain. This has spurred local entrepreneurship, resulting in the creation of more than 90 olive-based startups.
Underscoring the sector’s emerging global potential, the minister shared that a Pakistani startup brand, ‘LO – Loralai Olives,’ recently won a Silver Award at the New York Olive Oil Quality Competition. This recognition, he stated, is proof of the industry’s rising quality standards. To guide future growth, the government has formulated the Olive Value Chain Policy 2030, a long-term roadmap for sustainability and innovation.
Mr. Hussain reiterated Pakistan’s intention to become a full member of the 2015 International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives, confirming that significant progress has been made toward accession. He expressed a desire for deeper cooperation with the IOC on technical assistance, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Concluding his remarks, the minister affirmed Pakistan’s dedication to the IOC’s vision of promoting excellence and global cooperation, stating the nation is ready to work with member states to build a more resilient and prosperous global olive community.