ISLAMABAD, Mar 07 (ABC): The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) has proposed a Rs6,598 million nationwide project to establish commercial olive orchards on 40,000 acres. The initiative aims to strengthen and uplift Pakistan’s olive value chain.
An official document available with Wealth Pakistan states that the three-year initiative is titled “Strengthening/Uplifting of Olive Value Chain in Pakistan – Phase III.” The project will run from July 2026 to June 2029.
The Pakistan Oilseed Development Board will implement the project in collaboration with national and provincial institutions.
The initiative will cover Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Expansion of commercial olive orchards
A key component of the initiative involves establishing cluster-based commercial olive orchards on 40,000 acres. Farmers and public land in suitable agro-ecological zones will support this activity.
Through this approach, the project will organize olive cultivation on a larger scale. It will also support the development of Pakistan’s olive industry.
Improving irrigation and climate resilience
The project also focuses on improving water efficiency in olive cultivation.
Under the plan, authorities will install drip irrigation systems on 10,000 acres of olive orchards. This measure will improve water use and support climate-resilient farming practices.
In addition, the initiative will rehabilitate around 0.3 million wild olive trees. Communities will carry out grafting activities in identified areas.
Strengthening value addition in olive sector
The initiative also aims to improve value addition and commercialization within the olive value chain.
Pilot-scale public-private partnership projects will support pomace oil production. The project will also promote improvements in olive oil quality and modern storage practices.
Furthermore, the initiative will encourage the use of olive pomace for pellet production. These steps aim to enhance the commercial potential of olive products and by-products.
Institutional strengthening and sector governance
Institutional development forms another major component of the project.
Under the plan, authorities will establish and operationalize a national olive company or council. This institution will support better governance and regulatory arrangements in the sector.
Private sector participation will also support the sustainability of the olive industry.
Training and human resource development
The project also focuses on human resource development across the olive value chain.
Stakeholders will receive training in good agricultural practices, good manufacturing practices, hazard analysis and critical control points, processing techniques, and marketing practices.
Training programs will also include women and youth involved in olive cultivation, processing, and marketing. These activities aim to develop a skilled workforce for the sector.
Key deliverables of the project
The project will establish cluster-based commercial olive plantations and rehabilitate wild olive trees through grafting.
Authorities will also install drip irrigation systems and strengthen human resources across the olive value chain.
Moreover, the initiative will launch pilot projects for value addition and by-product utilization to improve commercialization.
The project will also introduce a digital geospatial mapping and monitoring system. This system will support tracking and management of olive cultivation activities.
The proposed activities align with the 13th Five-Year Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the National Agriculture Innovation Growth Action Plan. The initiative focuses on exports, technological advancement, mechanization, financial support, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and equity and empowerment.