The Punjab government has announced a bold plan to plant 50 million olive trees on 10 million acres of land by 2026. Currently, Pakistan has about five million olive trees, along with many wild olive trees growing naturally.
Azeem Tariq, who leads the Olive Growing Project, highlighted the many advantages of olive farming. He explained that it could help reduce Pakistan’s dependence on costly edible oil imports, which amount to $4.5 billion each year. Additionally, olive oil is not only highly nutritious but also holds religious significance, making it a valuable product.
To make this plan a success, the government is working with countries such as Italy, Spain, and China. These partnerships aim to improve olive production and help Pakistan achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil.
Pakistan has millions of wild olive trees and large areas of suitable land, especially in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Punjab. Experts believe the olive farming industry has great potential to boost the economy. It could create jobs, reduce poverty, and open up new opportunities for farmers.
This initiative is seen as a step toward reducing the burden of importing oil while tapping into the country’s natural resources. By investing in olive farming, Pakistan can take a significant step toward sustainable growth and economic stability, benefiting both the environment and its people.
