Islamabad (Radio Pakistan): Pakistan’s food ministry is moving toward signing a memorandum of understanding with Italy to advance olive research, as part of efforts to adapt agriculture to climate change, reduce dependence on imported edible oil, and support sustainable rural livelihoods.
Olive research cooperation with Italy
The initiative was discussed at a meeting of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, chaired by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain. According to Radio Pakistan, the proposed MoU aims to formalize scientific collaboration between Pakistan and Italy in the field of olives.
Under the plan, Pakistan’s National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology will partner with University of Bari Aldo Moro, a leading European institution with long-standing expertise in olive genetics and cultivation systems.
Climate-resilient agriculture through olive research
Officials say strengthening olive research is increasingly important as climate change, water stress, and shifting rainfall patterns reduce the viability of water-intensive crops. Olives are considered suitable for arid and semi-arid regions where conventional farming is becoming less sustainable.
The ministry said research cooperation would help Pakistan access internationally tested olive varieties, improve local breeding programs, and enhance scientific capacity to adapt cultivation practices to changing environmental conditions.
Reducing edible oil imports
Pakistan currently imports a large share of its edible oil requirements, placing pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Policymakers believe that sustained investment in olive research can improve domestic production, raise oil quality, and gradually reduce reliance on imports.
According to officials, the MoU will support joint research initiatives, laboratory collaboration, and specialized training for Pakistani scientists and technicians in modern cultivation and processing techniques.
Commercial expansion and land utilization
The ministry also said preparations are underway for the next phase of the Promotion of Olive Cultivation on a Commercial Scale in Pakistan. Authorities report that research-driven initiatives have already helped convert marginal and previously uncultivated land into productive olive orchards.
Officials added that these efforts are contributing to climate resilience, livelihood diversification, and more efficient land use in vulnerable agricultural zones.
Strengthening the olive value chain
The minister emphasized that research-led expansion must be linked with development of the full olive value chain, including nurseries, farming practices, oil extraction, quality standards, and market access, to ensure long-term economic and environmental benefits.
Pakistan’s olive initiative has focused on regions such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Punjab, where water scarcity has reduced the viability of traditional crops. Officials believe cooperation with Italian research institutions will help accelerate capacity-building and align domestic production with international standards.
Read related news here: https://greenpost.com.pk/pakistan/
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