The federal government today unveiled a strategic plan to transform Pakistan’s agricultural landscape through a major push in olive cultivation, bolstered by a pound 20 million project in collaboration with Italy, with the goal of reducing the nation”s $4 billion annual palm oil import bill.
In a separate but related national development initiative, officials also announced the provision of 700,000 Chromebooks to students across the country to advance digital education.
During the inauguration of the 7th National Olive Festival, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, declared that olive cultivation has moved beyond an experimental phase to become a fully emerging industry in Pakistan. He underscored the sector”s potential to establish the country as a leading regional hub for olive production and processing.
The minister noted that Pakistan”s climate is highly suitable for premium-quality olives, which he described as an effective solution to climate change and an ideal crop for water-scarce regions. This burgeoning industry is already providing profitable and climate-resilient livelihoods for thousands of farmers while stimulating new business and employment in rural economies.
Highlighting the economic imperative, Hussain contrasted Pakistan”s total agricultural exports of $9 billion with Spain”s $11 billion olive industry. He emphasized that by scaling up domestic production, the nation could not only achieve self-sufficiency but also generate substantial foreign exchange through exports in the coming years. A portion of the country”s olive oil, including an award-winning brand that secured a silver medal in the United States, is already being sold internationally.
To support this growth, the administration is prioritizing the supply of quality saplings, research, modern oil extraction facilities, and the enhancement of the entire value chain, including upgrading packaging and branding to international standards.
The minister acknowledged the crucial support from the Italian government, which is providing technical assistance alongside the approved pound 20 million project. He also announced that Pakistan is expected to gain membership in the International Olive Council within the next two to three months, a move that will significantly enhance the global recognition of its olive industry.
In a concurrent development focused on human capital, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, announced a major educational initiative. He stated that the TIF Foundation Lahore is providing 0.7 million Chromebooks for students nationwide.
Khan affirmed that this program is vital for promoting digital education in Pakistan, as it will enhance the online learning ecosystem and equip students with modern digital tools. He assured that the distribution would be conducted in phases with complete transparency.
To ensure equitable access, Khan confirmed that students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will be included in the Chromebook Programme. This aligns with the government”s stated top priority of empowering young people and providing equal development opportunities across all regions of the country.