RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched an initiative worth Rs279.88 million in collaboration with the USAID to turn the Potohar region in to ‘Olive Valley.’

A meeting of 10th Olive Development Group (ODG) was held at Barani Agriculture Research Institute, Chakwal to review progress on this project and to resolve emergent problems of olive grower. Muhammad Mahmood, Secretary Agriculture Punjab presided over the meeting while Dr Abid Mahmood, DGA (Research), Dr Tariq, Director BARI, Chakwal along with other stakeholders attended the meeting.

Speaking on this occasion, Muhammad Mahmood Secretary Agriculture Punjab said that Government of Punjab realizes the significance of the socio-economic opportunities offered by olive-producing regions. This initiative will not only support the department in implementing the project but will also create employment opportunities.

Muhammad Mahmood further said that Potohar Region possesses ideal climatic conditions and land for commercial cultivation of Olive orchards. Government of Punjab has a plan to develop this tract as Olive Valley and to support this vision a project with cost of Rs2782 Million is being implemented. To translate this dream into reality, 15000 acre was being brought under olive valley cultivation over a span of five years.

Secretary Agriculture was also briefed by scientist/ researchers during this session that content of olive oil production in our country is unique and can compare with Extra Virgin Olive Oil through worldwide level. Secretary Agriculture was also briefed about production of oil content by the factory established at BARI Chakwal for extraction of olive oil to the farmers and this factory has extracted 19134 KG oil free of cost for farmers.

In the end, Secretary Agriculture Punjab praised efforts of Olive Development Group (ODG) for making olive valley dream into reality. On this occasion, one MoU signed ceremony was held between Government of Punjab and Cholistan Institute for Desert Crop while another between Government of Punjab and Green Revolution to promote olive development in this region.