ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of World Olive Tree Day, a two-day ‘Pak Olive National Gala’ started in Islamabad to provide opportunities to explore olive sector development.
The event has been organized by “Promotion of olive cultivation on commercial scale in Pakistan Phase-II” and the Italian-funded “Olive culture-holistic and multi-professional mechanism for a Pakistani olive oil value chain” project.
In addition to providing an opportunity to explore the olive sector, the Pak olive brand has been launched to help drive consumers to purchase certified quality olive oil produced in Pakistan.
Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, was chief guest at the event.
He reiterated the commitment of Pakistani communities towards the promotion of olive production. This is not only enhancing olive production but also providing income opportunities to communities, especially women and youth. He also stressed the need for an adequate policy that supports the rural development of the olive sector.
Marco Marchetti, International Project Coordinator Olive Culture Project, said our mission is to systematize and consolidate the results achieved so far by Pakistani and Italian initiatives carried out in Pakistan to weave a national canvas (holistic mechanism) to build all the steps – from farm to fork- of a Pakistani olive oil value chain, to be tailored to each province’s requirements.
Dr Muhammad Tariq, National Project Director for the promotion of olive cultivation on commercial scale in Pakistan Phase-II, shared the holistic and multi-professional approach to the olive value chain.
He also highlighted the current situation of olives in Pakistan and the untapped potential of olive cultivation. He said Pakistan has been identified a favorable country for olive cultivation and soon will become a member of the International Olive Council.
The olive tree is a “hardy and evergreen tree” that can grow in all types of soil except in saline soil and areas with stagnant water. Its roots do not extend deep underground, which makes it possible to be cultivated even in hilly areas.
Salvatore Parano, Director Italian Trade Agency, said olive cultivation and olive oil production is increasing manifolds in Pakistan due to the efforts of Pakistan government and Italy and with the results of efforts coming up, we are hoping that Pakistan will soon be exporting olive oil to the world even Italy.
During the two-day event, olive oil organoleptic competition will also take place and awards will be given to top 20 progressive olive farmers, three scientists for best field performance, best packaging, bottling for quality oil and quality olive oil.
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