In a landmark achievement, Pakistan’s locally produced olive oil has won an international award for quality at a prestigious global competition — a recognition that highlights not just the excellence of the product, but the resilience and growth of an agricultural sector long in development.
This success marks a turning point for Pakistan’s olive oil industry, which has steadily evolved over the past decade through strategic investments, modern farming practices, and international collaboration.
The journey began with an ambitious vision by the Government of Pakistan to transform arid, uncultivated land into thriving olive groves. Over the years, thousands of farmers across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan were trained in advanced agricultural techniques. Infrastructure was developed to ensure quality production from farm to bottle.
Today, these efforts have borne fruit — literally — with Pakistan now producing high-quality olive oil that meets international standards.
Behind the scenes, a vital partnership with the Government of Italy and technical support from CIHEAM Bari played a key role. Through the provision of tools, training programs, and knowledge sharing, the collaboration focused on empowering local farmers rather than overshadowing them.
This cooperative model has led to significant outcomes, including improved soil management, harvesting practices, and post-processing methods — all of which contributed to Pakistan’s international win.
Farmers, once uncertain about the prospects of olive cultivation, are now confident and proud. “We were trained. We believed. And today, our oil is winning medals,” said one farmer, reflecting the broader sentiment across the sector.
These words are more than symbolic; they underscore the tangible impact of smart policy, meaningful training, and grassroots commitment.
Experts caution that while the award is a milestone, it is just the beginning. There is a growing call to scale up production, integrate advanced technologies, and establish robust export channels to position Pakistani olive oil on the global market sustainably.
Yet, the foundation is strong. And for perhaps the first time in decades, Pakistan’s agricultural narrative is one of success, not struggle.
As olive oil flows from rural groves to international shelves, it carries with it a story of hope, determination, and the quiet revolution growing beneath Pakistan’s soil — one drop at a time.
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Pakistani Olive oil earns global acclaim, boosting hopes for agri sector
