CHAKWAL: The Centre of Excellence for Olive Research and Training (CEFORT), Chakwal, hosted 22 delegates from member countries of the Asian-African Rural Development Organization (AARDO) on October 19, 2026, to highlight the role of olive cultivation in climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable rural development.
The exposure visit was organised as part of the AHK-NCRD–AARDO Collaborative International Training Workshop on “Disaster Management and Climate Change Adaptation,” being held in Islamabad from October 14 to 22. The workshop is organised by the Akhtar Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development (AHK-NCRD), Islamabad.
The session at CEFORT focused on olive cultivation as a climate-resilient agricultural option, particularly for soil conservation in the rain-fed Potohar region, diversification of rural livelihoods and the restoration of olive-based ecosystems.
The session was chaired by Dr. Sajid ur Rehman, Chief Scientist, Agriculture Research Punjab, who joined participants in exploring the potential of olive farming to support climate adaptation and strengthen rural resilience.
During the visit, the international delegates toured CEFORT’s olive orchards, demonstration blocks, nursery, olive oil quality laboratory, disease diagnostic laboratories and fruit processing units. The visits provided an opportunity to learn about olive production, crop management, quality assessment, disease diagnosis and value addition.
Olive cultivation can offer multiple benefits in rain-fed areas, including opportunities to diversify agricultural income and improve land management. Its potential contribution to soil conservation and ecosystem restoration also makes it relevant to broader efforts to build climate resilience in vulnerable agricultural landscapes.
CEFORT expressed its appreciation to the AHK-NCRD management and the AARDO Secretariat for selecting the centre for the international exposure visit.
The visit highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing and international cooperation in promoting climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable land use and livelihood opportunities for rural communities across Asia and Africa.
