ISLAMABAD: The government is ramping up efforts to develop Pakistan’s olive industry in a bid to reduce the country’s staggering $5 billion annual edible oil import bill, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said on Thursday.
Speaking at a workshop titled “Innovating the Olive Value Chain,” the minister emphasized that olives are emerging as a key player in Pakistan’s agricultural economy. More than 85 startups are currently operating in the olive sector, many leveraging e-commerce platforms to reach consumers and scale operations.
“The olive industry is not just about agriculture—it’s about innovation, employment, and export potential,” said Hussain. He highlighted the growing integration of digital technology into agriculture, with particular benefits for women and youth entrepreneurship, citing the international recognition of the LO olive oil brand as a success story.
The government’s strategy includes encouraging domestic cultivation of oilseed crops, especially olives, to curb reliance on imported edible oils. Strategic partnerships, investment in agri-tech, and support for startups are central to this plan.
Hussain also stressed the importance of food security and the need for increased per-acre yields and surplus crop production. He called for sustained investment in agricultural research to boost productivity across both major and minor crops.
He reaffirmed that agriculture remains a top priority for the Prime Minister, especially the promotion of high-value, short-duration crops that can enhance farmer income and contribute to poverty reduction in rural areas.
On recent policy outcomes, the minister pointed to a surge in rice exports as evidence of successful government initiatives. He added that Pakistan has set an ambitious target of 10 million cotton bales for the current season, driven by improved access to quality seeds and agricultural inputs.
