Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, delivered a comprehensive address at the World Olive Day celebration during the 122nd Session of the Council of Members of the International Olive Council (IOC) in Córdoba, Spain. In his remarks, the Minister highlighted the timeless cultural and civilizational significance of the olive tree, describing it as a symbol of peace, patience, harmony, and coexistence. He noted that the olive tree holds a revered place in all three major religions, where it features prominently in sacred traditions and scriptures. He emphasized that World Olive Day serves as a meaningful reminder of the values embodied by the olive tree and underscores its cultural, environmental, and economic importance across societies.
The Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to building a modern and sustainable olive sector. He explained that Pakistan is endowed with billions of wild olive trees and nearly four million hectares of land suitable for olive cultivation. Under the National Olive Program, over seven million olive trees have been planted during the last fifteen years, demonstrating the country’s long-term vision for developing a thriving olive economy. He stated that Pakistan has now established 51 olive oil extraction units, six fruit processing facilities, five weather stations, fourteen nurseries, and four olive oil quality laboratories, including a sensory evaluation laboratory to support scientific excellence and quality assurance. Thousands of women and youth have received training in various segments of the olive value chain, and more than ninety entrepreneurs have successfully launched olive-based startups, contributing to rural livelihoods, local economic growth, and value addition.
The Minister also highlighted a recent achievement that reflects the emerging global recognition of Pakistan’s olive sector. He shared that the Pakistani startup “LO – Loralai Olives” won a Silver Award at the New York Olive Oil Quality Competition, an accomplishment that showcases the quality and promise of the country’s olive products. He emphasized that this recognition is a testament to the dedication of Pakistani farmers, researchers, and young innovators who are shaping the future of the olive industry.
He further noted that the Government of Pakistan is strengthening the public–private partnership model to accelerate sectoral development. Through capacity-building initiatives and the provision of essential pre- and post-harvest equipment, this collaboration is generating positive results and improving efficiency across the olive value chain. He added that these coordinated efforts support Pakistan’s broader goals of enhancing rural prosperity, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and reducing reliance on imported edible oils.
In conclusion, Rana Tanveer Hussain reiterated that Pakistan, as a country that has long advocated peace and harmony, wishes to uphold the universal message carried by the olive tree—peace, prosperity, patience, and perseverance. He expressed appreciation for the platform provided for exchange of ideas and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to the collective global effort to advance sustainable olive development.
