ISLAMABAD: During the current tree plantation campaign, the government intends to provide training to more than 2,800 olive farmers and stakeholders to promote and expand the potential of olive farming throughout the nation.
Dr. Hassan Tariq, the National Project Director of the Olive Cultivation Program at the National Agriculture Research Centre, stated,
“The aim of the initiative is to ensure the production of nutrient-filled hygienic edible oil through the enhancement of domestic output as well as a reduction in reliance on the commodity that is imported.” This is the initiative’s objective.
“During the current spring tree plantation drive, approximately 47 training programs will be organized in different areas to familiarize farmers with international best practices for olive cultivation,” Tariq stated in an interview with APP on Friday.
“To increase their income, the farmers will also receive training in orchard management and olive value addition. They will also learn about the most recent branding, labeling, and marketing strategies,” he added.
He explained that a national olive reference lab was recently established to guarantee the safety and quality of locally produced goods, that a second regional lab would soon follow, and that a national conference would also be held.
Over 1.2 million olive trees will be planted on 8,900 acres to support national efforts to increase domestic edible oil production, Tariq explained.