ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP): Minister for National Food Security & Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has participated in and addressed the 122nd session of the Council of Members of the International Olive Council (IOC) held in Córdoba, Spain.
The session gathered ministers, global experts and industry leaders from across the olive-producing world, said a press release issued by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research on Wednesday.
The minister highlighted that the government was fully committed to the development of a sustainable and competitive olive value chain across the country, adding that national priority was driven by two strategic goals: reducing Pakistan’s dependence on imported edible oils and empowering rural communities by creating new livelihood opportunities in olive cultivation, processing and value addition.
Pakistan, he noted, is endowed with millions of wild olive trees and nearly one million acres of marginal or low-productive land ideally suited for olive plantations. Over the past decade, around 50,000 acres have been successfully brought under olive cultivation, marking a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural diversification efforts.
Tanveer underscored that the National Olive Program is not merely an agricultural project but a multi-dimensional development initiative with far-reaching impacts, adding that it contributes effectively to climate change mitigation, combats land degradation and desertification and strengthens rural economies through increased agricultural productivity.
To support this ambitious vision, Pakistan has developed a comprehensive infrastructure that includes 51 olive oil extraction units, 6 fruit processing facilities, 5 weather stations, 14 nurseries, and 4 olive oil quality laboratories equipped with sensory evaluation capabilities, he added.
Thousands of women and youth have been trained across the entire olive value chain, and over 90 olive-based startups have emerged, generating meaningful employment and fostering rural entrepreneurship, he remarked.
The Minister shared Pakistan’s recent international achievement with pride, announcing that the country’s startup brand “LO – Loralai Olives” won a Silver Award at the prestigious New York Olive Oil Quality Competition. This recognition, he noted, is a testament to the quality, potential, and rising global profile of Pakistan’s olive sector.
The government has formulated the Olive Value Chain Policy 2030, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at ensuring sustainable development, regulatory strength and innovation within the olive industry, while aligning Pakistan’s efforts with global best practices, he added.
The minister said that Pakistan is eager to become a full member of the 2015 International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives. Significant progress has been made toward accession and Pakistan looks forward to joining the International Olive Council as an active, contributing member.
He expressed confidence that cooperation with the IOC, especially in areas of technical support, technology transfer, and
human resource development, will further enhance Pakistan’s progress and productivity in the olive sector.
