PM launches National Olive Value Chain Policy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday launched the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy, aimed at transforming the country’s growing olive sector into a major source of domestic edible oil, rural incomes and export earnings.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, the prime minister said Pakistan spends around USD 4 billion annually on edible oil imports, adding that saving even USD 400 million a year through increased domestic production would be a significant achievement.

He expressed confidence that Pakistan could achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil within a few years, stressing the need to move beyond cultivation and focus on oil production, processing and value addition.

READ MORE: 40,000 acres of commercial olive orchards planned under new Rs6.6bn project

Sharif thanked the Italian government for its support in developing Pakistan’s olive sector and announced that the government would send 100 young agricultural graduates to Italy at its own expense for advanced training in olive cultivation, production, processing and marketing.

He said expanding olive production could help Pakistan save valuable foreign exchange by reducing its reliance on imported edible oil.

“Practical steps for an agricultural revolution are indispensable,” Sharif said, assuring farmers of maximum support from the federal and provincial governments.

Earlier, Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Ugo Ciarlatani said the two countries had enjoyed a partnership spanning more than seven decades, with cooperation extending to agriculture, science, education, trade and security.

He said the new policy was the outcome of years of bilateral cooperation, including the USD 100 million Pakistan-Italy Debt Swap Programme, which helped establish olive orchards in different parts of the country.

According to the ambassador, Pakistan now has more than seven million olive plants, while Italy’s Olive Culture Project has supported laboratories and nurseries, assisted business groups and provided training to more than 700 stakeholders.

Italy is also supporting Pakistan’s technical and vocational education through a €20 million capacity-building programme focused on high-value agriculture, including olive cultivation and production, he said.

Ciarlatani expressed hope that the new policy would transform Pakistan’s olive sector into a thriving agro-industry, creating opportunities for farmers, women and young people while further strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government would provide disease-free seeds and deploy technology to minimise crop losses.

He said Pakistan’s membership of the International Olive Council would help strengthen research, training, technology and quality certification in the sector.

“Olive is not merely a crop; it represents a complete value chain with opportunities for businesses,” he said.

National Food Security and Research Secretary Amer Ali Ahmed said Pakistan aimed to begin exporting olive oil to markets in South, East and Central Asia.

The prime minister also distributed shields to olive growers and experts and visited stalls showcasing locally produced olive products.

Olive growers Abdul Jabbar of Loralai, Quratul Ain Irfan of Mardan and Yaqoob Izhar of Chakwal also spoke at the event.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026