Traditionally, Pakistan isn’t an olive-producing country but wild subspecies of the olive are found at a large scale in different areas of the country. Pakistan has the potential to become self-sufficient in edible oil production by utilizing its suitable land for the plantation and cultivation of olive trees. The country is boosting its utmost efforts to reduce dependency on foreign edible oils and become a new player in the olive oil world.

Pakistan has set a target for olive oil production of 16,000 tons by 2027. It was estimated that for the 2019-20 season, the estimated olive oil production capacity in Pakistan is approximately 1,400 tons. Subsequent targets for olive plants will also be continued in the coming years.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan has begun producing olive oil back in 2010 through its agricultural cooperation efforts with Italy and Spain as well as commercial cooperation with China. Spain and Italy are the major contributors to olive production in the world. Pakistan has shown its commitment to enhancing olive production in the country.

Pakistan Potential

Pakistan is an attractive country for the commercial cultivation of olives due to its suitable climate conditions, quality soil, and ecological diversity. Around 10 million acres have already been identified for growing olives in the country.

The Pothwar region in the northeastern nook of the country is being developed as an “Olive Valley” after being recognized as an appropriate area for olive cultivation due to its topography and local weather.

The olive plantations have multifold advantages: to meet the local demand of edible oil and contributing to the economy on one hand and on the other hand mitigating climate change and addressing water security challenges effectively.