National Olive Value Chain Policy

Pakistan Unveils National Olive Value Chain Policy to 2030

National-Olive-Value-Chain-Policy

Islamabad — May 18, 2025

Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security & Research has drafted the National Olive Value Chain Policy and submitted it to the federal cabinet for approval. With ideal geography and rising global demand for olive products, Pakistan aims to become a key player in the olive oil market.

Scope & Implementation Roadmap

The policy includes a seven‑year Implementation Strategy and Roadmap through 2030, targeting:

• Increased olive production across Balochistan, Punjab & Khyber‑Pakhtunkhwa
• Enhanced processing standards & workforce training
• Private sector engagement & stakeholder facilitation
• Promotion of domestic consumption and international competitiveness

PSDP Olive Project Extension

The existing olive project under the PSDP will extend into FY 2025–26 with an additional allocation of PKR 63.7 million. Key activities include new plantings, drip irrigation installation, wild‑olive grafting, and policy framework strengthening.

Food Import Spending & Sector Challenges

In FY 2023–24, Pakistan spent USD 7.57 billion on food imports, of which USD 3.33 billion was on edible oils. Olive oil imports alone totaled 4,000 tonnes (USD 19 million) plus 500 tonnes of related products (USD 3 million).

Major constraints—disorganized marketing, low farm returns, limited credit and quality inputs, outdated technology, and lack of suitable harvesting and post‑harvest machinery—have relegated olives to “minor crop” status despite high potential.

13th Five‑Year Plan & Export Growth

Under the 13th Five‑Year Plan (2024–29), olives are designated as a priority export sector. The goal is to establish export‑oriented clusters, strengthen value chains, and elevate Pakistan’s national brand in the global olive export market.

Recent Progress & Next Steps

• 5.5 million olive trees planted in major provinces
• Modern plantations initiated under the Pakistan‑Italy Debt Swap (2012–16)
• Locally produced seedlings & subsidized drip systems distributed free in Potohar
• Current yields at ~30% of optimal, with targeted improvements across all value‑chain segments

This policy framework aims to build an integrated, self‑sustaining olive sector—empowering farmers, improving processing quality, and positioning Pakistan as a stronger competitor in the olive oil industry.