Staff Reporter
Rawalpindi/Islamabad
Federal Secretary for Food Security and Research Dr. Muhammad Hashim Khan Popalzai while addressing 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.
She ensured the cooperation for olive development sector in future, Director Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal said that after declaration of Potowar tract as olive valley by Punjab Government this institute has provided 01 million olive plants to the farmers and now 08 thousand acres land is under olive cultivation in Potowar region. Barani Agriculture Research Institute has also introduced two olive varieties in BARI Zaitoon-1 and BARI Zaitoon-2. Now Production of olive oil has been started. Stalls were also installed in the festival for displaying olive fruit and its byproducts.
