ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday launched Pakistan’s first National Olive Value Chain Policy, saying stronger support for olive farmers could help the country save up to $400 million annually on edible oil imports.
Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister said federal and provincial governments would now work more closely to support olive growers, expand cultivation and strengthen exports.
He said Pakistan currently spends around $4 billion on imported oil and could significantly reduce that burden by increasing domestic olive production.
Shehbaz Sharif said olive cultivation has already expanded to around 60,000 acres, crediting farmers, agricultural experts and provincial governments for helping develop the sector.
He praised growers from Loralai and other regions, along with researchers and specialists, for their contribution to increasing olive production.
The prime minister said agricultural transformation would require practical support for farmers rather than policy statements alone, adding that olive and sunflower cultivation would remain a government priority.
He also said the government would continue to facilitate farmers with the aim of increasing local production, improving value addition and opening new export opportunities.
During the event, the prime minister visited stalls and interacted with olive growers, expressing satisfaction over the progress made in cultivation and exports.
Shehbaz Sharif also thanked the Italian government and its ambassador for cooperation in the olive sector.
He announced that 100 Pakistani graduates would be sent to Italy every year for training in olive cultivation and other related fields so they could return with technical expertise and contribute to the sector.
The Italian ambassador said around 700 people associated with the olive value chain had been given priority under cooperation initiatives, while agriculture officials noted that young Pakistanis trained in China had also contributed to improving cultivation practices.
The government said the new policy is aimed at building a more integrated olive value chain, improving farmer support, reducing import dependence and strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural exports.
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