Islamabad, 21 October 2025 — Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain told attendees at Pakistan Olive Summit 2.0 that the olive sector can become a new milestone for the national economy. He highlighted wide cultivation potential across northern and southern regions and urged a coordinated strategy to position Pakistan among leading olive-producing countries.
The minister said achieving self-sufficiency in olive production is within reach and that Pakistan can build a trusted export brand for olive oil that stands for quality and health under a “Made in Pakistan” label. He argued that expanding the olive sector will strengthen rural livelihoods, raise farmer incomes and make more effective use of agricultural land.
Noting olive trees’ drought tolerance, Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasised that olive cultivation supports water-efficient farming and environmental protection. He described the olive industry as a model of climate smart agriculture that can help preserve soil health, stabilise local temperatures and reduce carbon footprint.
The ministry is promoting modern technology across the olive value chain — from cultivation and oil extraction to processing, packaging and marketing — while adopting public-private partnership models to speed up investment. Plans to establish olive clusters were announced to foster collaboration among farmers, agricultural experts and private investors.
Rana Tanveer Hussain said the olive sector offers extensive opportunities for private investment and that scaling production could significantly reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported edible oils. He noted that the country currently imports billions of dollars in edible oil each year and that a stronger domestic olive industry could ease this burden and save foreign exchange.
The government is preparing a policy framework under the National Olive Plan 2030 that prioritises research, investment, training and international cooperation. The minister called on young farmers to play a central role in adopting scientific methods and tapping new markets for olive products.
“Olives are not just a crop but a symbol of prosperity, sustainability and self-reliance for Pakistan,” Rana Tanveer Hussain said, adding that the aim is to make olive a national identity and introduce it as a strong national brand globally.
