2,800 farmers to be trained for olive plantation

ISLAMABAD:

The government aims to impart training to over 2,800 olive farmers and stakeholders, during the tree plantation campaign for the current season, to encourage and enhance the potential of olive farming across the country.

“The aim of the initiative is to ensure the production of nutrient-filled hygienic edible oil through the enhancement of domestic output as well as a reducing reliance on the imported commodity,” said Dr Hassan Tariq, National Project Director of the Olive Cultivation Program in the National Agriculture Research Centre.

Talking to APP on Friday, Tariq said, “During the current spring tree plantation drive, about 47 training programmes will be organised in different areas to familiarise farmers with international best practices for olive cultivation.”

“The farmers will also be trained on orchard management and value addition of the olive to enhance their income. Along with this, they will also be introduced to the latest marketing techniques, labelling and branding,” he added.

Explaining that a national olive reference lab was established recently to ensure the safety and quality of the locally produced products, he explained that another regional lab will also be established soon and a national conference will also be organised. “Over 1.2 million olive plants will be planted across 8,900 acres to strengthen national efforts behind enhancing the output of domestic edible oil,” explained Tariq.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2023.

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