PM Launches National Olive Value Chain Policy to Cut Edible Oil Imports

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy, aimed at developing the country’s olive sector into a major source of domestic edible oil, rural employment and export revenue.

 

Speaking at the launch ceremony, the prime minister said Pakistan spends around $4 billion annually on edible oil imports. He said reducing imports by even $400 million a year through higher domestic production would represent a significant economic gain.

 

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan could achieve greater self-sufficiency in edible oil within the next few years, but stressed that the focus must extend beyond olive cultivation to include oil extraction, processing, packaging and value addition.

 

The prime minister also announced that 100 young agricultural graduates would be sent to Italy at the government’s expense for specialised training in olive cultivation, production, processing and marketing.

 

He thanked Italy for its continued support in developing Pakistan’s olive industry, including cooperation under the $100 million Pakistan-Italy Debt Swap Programme, which helped establish olive orchards across the country.

 

Italian Ambassador Ugo Ciarlatani said Pakistan now has more than seven million olive plants. Italy’s Olive Culture Project has also supported laboratories and nurseries, assisted businesses and provided training to more than 700 stakeholders.

 

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

 

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government would provide disease-free seeds and introduce technology aimed at reducing crop losses. He added that Pakistan’s membership in the International Olive Council would strengthen research, training, technology development and quality certification.

 

National Food Security and Research Secretary Amer Ali Ahmed said Pakistan is targeting olive oil exports to markets across South, East and Central Asia.

 

The government views the olive sector as a broader value chain capable of generating opportunities for farmers, businesses, women and young people while reducing dependence on imported edible oil and supporting foreign exchange savings.

 

The launch marks a major step in Pakistan’s efforts to develop olive production into a commercially viable agro-industry with both domestic and export potential.