Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a meeting with the Olive Culture Project team to advance the creation of a comprehensive National Olive Value Chain, emphasizing benefits for farmers and the integration of production processes.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting, led by Project Head Dr. Muhammad Tariq, reviewed the project’s progress and implementation. The revised initiative plans to plant approximately 15,000 acres with 2 million olive plants over three years. Hussain urged the team to set realistic targets and consider expanding plantations and plant availability.

Hussain emphasized utilizing Potohar’s olive potential and advocated for private-sector involvement in enhancing processing infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of access to extraction and post-harvest facilities, quality standards, and commercial use of olive by-products, such as pomace.

The Minister instructed the project team to rationalize machinery needs, manage costs, and develop a clear implementation plan with measurable goals. He reiterated the program’s role in transforming Pakistan’s olive potential into increased farmer incomes, value addition, and a sustainable industry.