ISLAMABAD, May 04 (ABC): Around 2.6 million olive plants cultivated in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have begun producing fruit, marking a significant step in the region’s shift toward olive farming as an alternative to traditional orchards affected by drought.
What is happening?
According to Abdul Raoof Kakar, former director general of the Agriculture Research Institute in Balochistan, the olive trees planted across the province are now entering their production phase. Full output is expected by the 2028–29 period.
Speaking to Wealth Pakistan,The development reflects years of efforts to introduce and expand olive cultivation in areas where water scarcity has disrupted conventional fruit farming.
Why does it matter?
Balochistan’s agriculture sector has faced prolonged challenges due to drought conditions that began around 2000. Crops such as apples, apricots, and almonds have been heavily affected, with some orchards lost entirely due to water shortages.
Olive farming offers a relatively resilient alternative. It is suited to dry climates and can help diversify income sources for farmers who have experienced losses in traditional crops.
Where is the focus of cultivation?
The district of Loralai has emerged as a central hub for olive farming in Pakistan. Olives grown in the area have an oil content ranging between 25% and 32%, which is considered high by local standards.
The region also contains naturally occurring wild olive trees, providing a foundation for expanding domesticated varieties introduced through international cooperation, including support from the Italian government.
How is the sector being supported?
Authorities have installed olive oil extraction units in several districts, including Loralai, Zhob, and Khuzdar. These facilities allow farmers to process their harvest locally, reducing transportation costs and improving efficiency.
However, industry observers note that additional processing infrastructure will be required as production increases in the coming years.
What are the challenges?
Despite olives being more drought-tolerant than many crops, experts emphasize that commercial production still depends on proper irrigation, pruning, and fertilization. Without adequate water, trees may survive but produce limited yields.
Water management remains a key issue. Balochistan lacks extensive canal networks and sufficient rainwater storage systems compared to other provinces such as Punjab and Sindh. Proposals to develop small dams and improve water conservation systems are seen as important for long-term sustainability.
What is the market outlook?
Locally produced extra-virgin olive oil is currently consumed within Pakistan, indicating strong domestic demand. Prices are reported to be around Rs3,000 per litre or higher.
There is also potential for growth through improved marketing strategies and value-added processing, which could help farmers achieve better returns.
Olive oil from Loralai has received international recognition, including a silver award at a competition in New York, attributed to its high antioxidant and phenolic content.
What happens next?
As more trees reach maturity, production volumes are expected to rise steadily through the end of the decade. Expansion of processing facilities, improved water management, and stronger market systems are likely to play a key role in determining how the sector develops.
