Staff Reporter
Rawalpindi
Federal Secretary for Food Security and Research Dr. Muhammad Hashim Khan Popalzai while addressing during the inaugural ceremony of two days Olive Festival at Barani Agriculture Research Institute Chakwal has said that Impressive efforts are being taken by the Punjab Government under USAID Punjab Enabling Environment Project for the commercial production of olive. This would help in meeting the edible oil requirement of country because Pakistan has to import edible oil worth of Rs. 350 Billion annually. Miss Julie Koenen Mission Director USAID Pakistan also participated as Chief Guest. The event was attended by Muhammad Azeem Tariq Director Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal, Dr. Muhammad Tariq Director Olive Development Project National Agriculture Research Centre Islamabad, Muhammad Rafiq Akhtar Director Agricultural Information Punjab, Olive Research and large gathering of Farming community. On this occasion. The Federal Secretary said that the Potowar tract in Punjab, KPK and Balochistan are suitable for the cultivation of olive. He said that the combined efforts are needed from all stake holders for further progress in olive sector. He disclosed that Government will launch further projects for olive development in near future. Miss Julie Koenen Mission Director USAID Pakistan praised the efforts pf Punjab Government Agriculture Department, Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal for providing olive plants to farmers free of cost.
