Highlighting Pakistan’s ambitious long-term strategy for a thriving olive economy, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming the nation into a significant global producer. Speaking at the World Olive Day celebration in Spain, the minister underscored the country’s commitment to developing a modern, climate-resilient olive sector to slash edible oil imports and bolster rural prosperity.
Addressing the 122nd Session of the International Olive Council (IOC), Hussain described the olive tree as a universal emblem of peace and harmony, noting its revered status in major world religions. He stated that World Olive Day serves as a powerful reminder of the tree’s profound cultural, environmental, and economic importance worldwide.
The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to this agricultural transformation, pointing to the nation’s natural advantages, which include billions of wild olive trees and nearly four million hectares of land well-suited for cultivation. Under the government’s National Olive Program, a significant investment has already seen over seven million olive trees planted in the last fifteen years.
To support this burgeoning industry, a robust infrastructure network has been established. This includes 51 olive oil extraction units, six fruit processing facilities, and four quality testing laboratories, one of which is a specialized sensory evaluation lab designed to ensure superior product standards.
This national initiative is also fostering human capital and entrepreneurship. Hussain shared that thousands of women and young people have received training across the entire olive value chain. This has spurred economic growth at the grassroots level, with over 90 entrepreneurs successfully launching olive-based startups.
Pakistan’s efforts are already gaining international acclaim. The minister proudly announced that a domestic startup, LO – Loralai Olives, recently secured a Silver Award at the prestigious New York Olive Oil Quality Competition. He described this milestone as a testament to the high quality of Pakistani olive products and credited the nation’s farmers, researchers, and young innovators for this achievement.
Looking ahead, Hussain outlined plans to accelerate sectoral expansion through enhanced public-private partnerships. He emphasized that capacity-building programs and improved access to advanced pre- and post-harvest technologies are crucial for improving efficiency and meeting the country’s broader agricultural goals.
In his concluding remarks, the minister reiterated that Pakistan remains devoted to the universal message of peace and perseverance embodied by the olive tree. He thanked the IOC for its role as a global platform for cooperation and affirmed Pakistan’s pledge to contribute meaningfully to sustainable olive development on the world stage.