Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed on Monday that Pakistan will dispatch 100 agricultural graduates to Italy for specialized training in olive cultivation, processing, marketing, and comprehensive value chain management. This announcement coincided with the unveiling of the “Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy” in Islamabad.
Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister emphasized the necessity of practical initiatives to trigger an agricultural revolution in Pakistan. He assured that the government would extend full support and facilities to farmers to achieve this goal.
Highlighting the potential of olive cultivation, Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan could achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil production, which would significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imports and save valuable foreign exchange. Pakistan currently spends around $4 billion annually on edible oil imports, and even a $400 million reduction would mark a substantial economic gain.
In addition to olives, the prime minister directed efforts to promote palm oil and sunflower cultivation to further decrease the edible oil import bill.
Notably, he underscored the strong historical trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Italy, especially in agriculture and tractor manufacturing. He expressed optimism that this cooperation would deepen in olive production, value addition, modern processing techniques, and export opportunities.
The 100 agricultural graduates selected for training in Italy will gain expertise in all facets of the olive value chain, equipping them to enhance the sector domestically.
Shehbaz Sharif also lauded Pakistani farmers, researchers, and exporters for their dedication and innovative approaches in developing the olive industry. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of olive growers Abdul Jabbar from Loralai, Qurrat-ul-Ain from Mardan, and Yaqoob Izhar from Chakwal.
The prime minister affirmed that federal and provincial governments would collaborate closely to support farmers and foster agricultural development through practical measures.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the government’s commitment to supplying farmers with high-quality, disease-free seeds and utilizing technology to promptly mitigate crop losses. He described olive cultivation not just as a crop but as an entire value chain capable of generating new business prospects.
He also noted Pakistan’s permanent membership in the International Olive Council as a significant milestone, which would facilitate access to modern research, technology, training, and international certification. Further collaboration with Italy on joint olive sector projects was also planned.
Secretary of National Food Security and Research Aamir Ali Ahmed welcomed the National Olive Value Chain Policy and expressed confidence that Pakistan would soon begin exporting olive oil to markets across South, East, and Central Asia. He stressed the importance of moving beyond traditional agricultural methods toward enhanced production, processing, value addition, quality control, branding, and marketing.
Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Ogo Chiara Tallani remarked on the longstanding partnership between the two countries and the expanding cooperation in agriculture, science, education, trade, and security. He described the National Olive Value Chain Policy as the culmination of a lengthy process and pointed out the remarkable growth of olive cultivation in Pakistan.
The ambassador noted that Pakistan had approximately 500,000 olive trees in 2016, a figure that has now surged to over seven million olive plants nationwide. More than 700 stakeholders involved in the olive value chain have received training, supported by the Olive Culture Project, which aids the sector’s development.
During the event, olive growers shared their experiences with the prime minister. Abdul Jabbar from Loralai emphasized that expanding olive cultivation could help alleviate Pakistan’s debt and boost the economy. Qurrat-ul-Ain Irfan from Mardan revealed it took 15 years to achieve olive production and expressed hopes for increased output and foreign exchange earnings. Yaqoob Izhar from Chakwal shared that after attending an exhibition in London, he chose to cultivate olives on his land, being the sole landowner in his family.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presented shields to olive growers, researchers, and experts in recognition of their contributions. He also toured stalls showcasing various olive products and engaged with farmers and entrepreneurs involved in the sector across Pakistan.
