Pakistan’s environment, soil fit for olive plantation

[Naveed Yaseen]

by Afshan S. Khan
Pakistan is the biggest importer of edible oil and the economy of the country has to bear a great burden annually on import of this valuable commodity, said Italian ambassador to Pakistan Vincenzo Prati.

Addressing a national conference titled, ‘Olive Oil Production in Pakistan; Result and way forward’ at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) here on Wednesday, he said that olive plantation is not an easy task. “It is not simply to just plant a sapling. If you do not have suitable soil the plant cannot flourish. But Pakistan has been gifted with natural climate and soil for olive plantation and Potohar, NWFP and Fata are potential areas for olive production,” he added.

He said it is a challenge for Pakistan economy as well as agriculture sector. “Italian investors are keen to invest in olive oil production in Pakistan and there is a dire need of interaction between Pakistani businessmen and their Italian counterparts to improve Olive oil business in Pakistan.

Federal Secretary, Ministry of Food and Agriculture Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehamn said in order to minimise dependence on edible oil import, the government has given special attention to this sector. “Our strategy is to enhance domestic edible oil production through increase in sunflower and canola crops, as short term measures and in order to transform this sector into ‘Plantation Economy’, we are also promoting oil-bearing plants like: olive in hilly areas and palm oil in coastal areas as long-term measures.”

The federal secretary informed the gathering that in future a mega project is to be launched for promotion of olive and olive products for poverty alleviation and economic development. He appreciated and thanked the Italian government for funding this project through Italian debt swap arrangements.

Pakistan Oilseed Development Board (PODB) Managing Director Qaiser Ali Shah said that the oilseed crops were facing competition with the important cash crops like; wheat, cotton and rice.

Earlier in his welcome address PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Khan informed the gathering that the university has become a hub of such activities and provides forum for open discussions on the topics of immediate national concern.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=171496