The Government of Pakistan is launching a major initiative to employ advanced molecular science and international expertise to guarantee the genetic purity of its olive plants, a critical step aimed at strengthening the nation”s burgeoning olive industry.
According to a statement today, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSand R) confirmed its commitment to this sciencedriven approach during a highlevel meeting at its secretariat. The Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, who chaired the forum, stressed the need to expand olive cultivation and fortify the entire value chain, from nurseries to marketing, to secure sustainable economic and environmental outcomes for the country.
The meeting acknowledged Pakistan”s significant progress in transforming marginal lands into productive olive orchards, a move that supports climate resilience and reduces reliance on imports. A primary focus is now on improving the nursery system to provide farmers with highquality, authentic olive saplings.
To address the challenge of varietal authenticity, officials underscored the critical role of DNAbased fingerprinting techniques. These scientific tools are expected to validate the purity of olive types, boost confidence in nursery stock, and pave the way for new horticultural innovations. The National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB) has affirmed its technical capacity to conduct the necessary molecular testing once reference genetic materials are available.
A key development from the meeting is the decision to initiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan”s NIGAB and the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy, a global leader in olive research. Facilitated under the OliveCulture ScaleUp Project, this pact will provide Pakistani scientists access to internationally recognized molecular profiles, parent genetic material, joint research opportunities, and specialized training.
Italian partners have expressed a strong commitment to assisting Pakistan in validating its olive genetic resources, enhancing the plant certification system, and characterizing both cultivated and indigenous wild olive varieties.
The federal minister also directed that future plantation efforts be aligned with regional environmental conditions. In a forwardlooking plan, Tunisian olive varieties suited for hot climates are set to be introduced on a trial basis in Cholistan, supported by detailed agronomic studies conducted with international partners.
Furthermore, the ministry announced that PhaseIII of the “Promotion of Olive Cultivation on Commercial Scale” project is being prepared for approval. This next stage will incorporate innovative financing, public-private partnerships, and carbon credit opportunities to accelerate the sector”s growth.