The state government of Punjab in Pakistan has prepared a detailed plan for the promotion of olive cultivation in this most prosperous agricultural state of the country. The government planners have identified Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Attock, Chakwal and Khushab as some of the potential olive cultivation regions in Punjab.
The government hopes to make Pakistan self-sufficient in the product of olive oil by developing olive orchard cultivation in these potential areas. According to the agricultural planners, the cultivation will include new plantations and grafting existing wild olive varieties.
The Islamic International Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization’s Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) in Chakwal has conducted research in the state which shows that prevailing environment, soil types, rainfall amounts, and temperatures ranges in these regions are ideal for the growth of olive plantations.
The agricultural department of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) in Punjab has launched awareness and training programs to encourage the farmers to produce olives and acquire training in modern olive cultivation techniques for better productivity.
Just across the border, India’s leading agricultural state of Punjab failed to execute its ambitious olive cultivation project that was launched with much fanfare in 2008.
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