Experts have called for a rapid expansion of olive cultivation in Pakistan to cut the country’s $4 billion annual edible oil import bill, improve nutritional security and build a high-value export industry.
The call came at an international workshop titled “Olive: Health Utility, Nutrition Value, and Sustainable Food Systems” held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on Friday. The university’s Department of Physics organised the event in collaboration with the Olive Culture II Scale-Up project.
Olive farming Pakistan: the $4bn prize
Despite being an agricultural country with fertile land, Pakistan imports edible oil worth around $4 billion every year, the experts noted. That bill weighs heavily on foreign exchange reserves and leaves food prices exposed to global market swings.
Olive cultivation, they argued, could change the equation. Olives suit the climate of several Pakistani regions, the oil commands premium prices, and a domestic industry would diversify farm incomes while strengthening food and nutritional security.
The push is already showing results. Pakistan’s olive oil production is projected to hit 716 tonnes in 2026, as reported in Pakistan olive oil production to hit 716 tonnes in 2026. Experts at the workshop said scaling up from this base could turn olives into a serious commercial crop rather than a niche experiment.
Italy partnership and new policy
UAF Vice-Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali told the foreign delegates that Pakistan had launched its National Olive Value Chain Policy in collaboration with Italy, describing the expanding olive sector as a promising development for agriculture.
The workshop featured Italian experts Dr Alessandro Leone of the University of Bari Aldo Moro and Dr Francesco De Musso of the Olive Culture Scale-Up project at CIHEAM Bari, along with Dr Muhammad Nouman, who is also associated with the project.
Prof Leone said Italy’s Puglia region was a major centre of olive cultivation, accounting for around 50 per cent of the country’s olive oil production. Italy ranks among the world’s leading olive oil producers, and the sector supports its regional economy through traditional orchards, new plantations and high-density cultivation systems.
He said Pakistan could benefit from international experience, particularly modern high-density orchard systems, to raise productivity and explore commercial opportunities.
Why it matters for food security
The olive push connects to a larger food security debate. With wheat prices rising and the government setting the 2027 indicative wheat price at Rs4,500 per maund, diversification into high-value crops gives farmers a buffer against commodity cycles. Read more in PM sets wheat price 2027 at Rs4,500 per maund.
It also fits the argument that Pakistan must strengthen its own food systems rather than rely on imports, a theme explored in How CPEC 2.0 can strengthen Pakistan’s food security.
Dr Ali said strengthening research, improving farming practices and developing technical expertise would let farmers realise the crop’s economic potential and build more resilient agricultural systems.
Frequently asked questions
How much edible oil does Pakistan import?
Pakistan imports edible oil worth around $4 billion annually, despite being an agricultural country, according to experts at the UAF workshop.
What is the National Olive Value Chain Policy?
It is Pakistan’s policy framework for developing the olive sector, launched in collaboration with Italy, covering cultivation, processing and marketing of olives and olive oil.
How much olive oil will Pakistan produce in 2026?
Production is projected to reach 716 tonnes in 2026, a base the experts say can be scaled up substantially with high-density orchards and better technical support.
Why is Italy involved in Pakistan’s olive sector?
Italy is among the world’s leading olive oil producers. Its experts and institutions, including the University of Bari and CIHEAM Bari, are sharing experience in cultivation systems, research and value chain development.
