Potohar region: Deal inked to boost olive production

RAWALPINDI: Olive cultivation in the Potohar region is set to receive a boost following an agreement between the USAID and the arid agriculture research body to facilitate research in the sector.

The USAID on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Barani Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) to establish an Olive Research Centre (ORC) and a grant agreement with the Olive Foundation to conduct research to facilitate private sector investment.

The signing ceremony took place at a meeting with the Olive Development Group held at BARI in Chakwal.

Agriculture Department Secretary Muhammad Mahmood, USAID Provincial Director Alyson McFarland, and sector stakeholders witnessed the signing ceremony, said a press release issued by agriculture department.

The Olive Development Group serves as a platform for the emerging olive sector in Punjab.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2017.