The fourth annual National Olive Festival was held at Center of Excellence for Olive Research and Training, Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal. Dr Muhammad Tariq, Director National olive Project, Ministry for Agriculture Research and Food security was chief guest at inaugural session and Dr Kastatiuno Parma, Director; Italian Olive Culture participated as guest of honour.
On the inaugural ceremony Dr. Muhammad Tariq, Director, National olive Project, Ministry for Agriculture Research and Food security said that Pakistan is spending about Rs. 350 Billion on the import of edible oil. The trend of olive cultivation will help to meet the requirement of edible oil in future. He appreciated the efforts of Center of Excellence for Olive Research and Training in Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal to make the cultivation of olive possible through research. He further added that this festival provides a platform to Olive Growers, Processors, Service Providers, Entrepreneur, Associations, Scientists, and Professionals, Academia policy makers to interact and share their value able experiences for sustainable olive sector. He said that olive farmers are able to get latest trends of olive production. He added that cultivation of olives is not only increasing employment opportunities but it is also playing an important role in preventing land erosion. In addition, there will be positive effects on climate change. He further said that all the stakeholders have to work together to increase the production of olives.
Dr Kastatiuno Parma, Director, Italian Olive Culture also appreciated the efforts of Centre of Excellence for olive Research and training Chakwal for increasing olive cultivation in Pakistan. Dr Muhammad Tariq Director National olive Project, Ministry for Agriculture Research and Food security and Dr Kastatiuno Parma Director Italian Olive Culture has inaugurated the exhibition on olive festival. Dr. Zafar Iqbal Qureshi Director Center of Excellence for Olive Research and Training while giving a briefing on the occasion, said that with the efforts of Center for Excellence for Olive Research and Training Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal more than 2 million olive saplings have been planted in Pothwar region.
