ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is sending agricultural graduates to Italy for their training in the olive field. About 100 agricultural graduates will benefit from this programme.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the graduates will receive modern training in olive cultivation, processing, marketing and value chain development.
Olive Sector Gets Policy Boost
Speaking at the launch of the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy, Shehbaz praised farmers, researchers and exporters for strengthening the sector.
He said provincial governments had also supported farmers and helped expand olive cultivation across Pakistan.
Currently, olives are cultivated on around 60,000 acres nationwide. The prime minister stressed the need for greater support to farmers.
Reducing Pakistan’s Edible Oil Imports
Shehbaz said Pakistan imports edible oil worth $4 billion annually. Therefore, increasing local production could significantly reduce the country’s import bill.
He said saving even $400 million through domestic production would represent a major economic benefit.
The prime minister also called for increased cultivation of palm oil and sunflower to reduce imports.
Meanwhile, he highlighted growing agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and Italy, including tractor manufacturing and modern farming.
He said both countries would expand cooperation in olive production, value addition and advanced processing.
Finally, Shehbaz said federal and provincial governments would jointly improve facilities and support for farmers.
