In a significant move to secure its burgeoning olive industry, Pakistan is set to employ advanced DNA fingerprinting technology and forge a scientific alliance with Italy to guarantee the genetic purity of its olive plants, officials announced Thursday.
The decision emerged from a highlevel meeting at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSand R), chaired by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain. The minister congratulated stakeholders on the success of the 7th Olive Gala 2025, calling it a milestone for promoting the crop.
Minister Hussain emphasized the necessity of expanding olive plantations in suitable agroclimatic zones and strengthening the complete olive value chain, from nursery development to final marketing, to ensure longterm economic and environmental benefits.
The meeting acknowledged Pakistan’s progress in converting marginal lands into productive olive orchards, which contributes to climate resilience and import substitution. The ministry’s focus is now intensifying on the nursery system to ensure farmers receive highquality, authentic olive saplings.
Participants highlighted the critical role of molecular and DNAbased techniques for the verification and validation of olive varieties. These scientific tools are expected to confirm varietal purity, boost farmers’ confidence, and open new avenues for horticultural research.
The National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB) affirmed its readiness to conduct the molecular testing with its stateoftheart facilities, contingent on the availability of reference parent material.
A key outcome of the gathering was the decision to enhance international scientific collaboration, particularly with Italy. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being initiated between NIGAB and the University of Bari Aldo Moro, facilitated by CIHEAM Bari, which will provide access to recognized genetic profiles, parent material, and specialized training for Pakistani scientists.
Italian partners expressed strong willingness to support Pakistan in validating its olive genetic resources and strengthening its plant certification system. The collaboration will also extend to characterizing indigenous wild olives.
Looking forward, the Federal Minister directed that future plantation activities be aligned with regional environmental conditions. As part of this strategy, heattolerant Tunisian olive varieties will be introduced on a pilot basis in the Cholistan region.
The ministry announced that PhaseIII of the “Promotion of Olive Cultivation on Commercial Scale in Pakistan” project will be formulated for approval. This next stage will include innovative financing mechanisms, publicprivate partnerships, and carbon credit opportunities to accelerate growth in the sector.