According to Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam, Pakistan’s successful membership in the International Olive Council (IOC) will enable the country realise its full potential for olive production.
Currently, Spain produces 1.5 million tonnes of olives, accounting for half of worldwide production, he said, adding that with technology transfer, new olive varieties, and high-quality human resources, Pakistan may become a global leader in olive production.
In a meeting, the minister expressed hope that Pakistan’s domestic value-added olive industry would prosper as a result of the country’s inclusion in the IOC, which would result in an increase in crop production.
He stated that roughly 36,000 acres of land in Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab are currently under olive cultivation.
