2.6m olive plants cultivated in Balochistan enter production phase

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2026) About 2.6 million olive plants cultivated across Balochistan have entered the production phase and are expected to reach full output by 2028-29, said Abdul Raoof Kakar, former director general of the Agriculture Research Institute, Balochistan.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Kakar termed the development a breakthrough, noting that Loralai has emerged as the hub of olive cultivation in the country.

“The oil content of Loralai olives is between 25% and 32%, which is the highest in Pakistan,” he said, adding that olives have provided farmers with a viable alternative after heavy losses in traditional orchards.

Balochistan’s fruit sector has been severely impacted by a prolonged drought that began around year 2000. “Apples, apricots and almonds have been badly damaged. In many areas, entire orchards have been wiped out due to water scarcity,” Kakar noted.

He highlighted the need to improve water management systems and emphasized the importance of investing in storage infrastructure.

Noting the region’s unique conditions, he said that developing canal networks and small dams could significantly enhance water conservation and sustainability. “Unlike Punjab and Sindh, we currently lack extensive canal systems and adequate rainwater storage facilities, but this also presents a strong opportunity for future development,” he observed.

Kakar said olive cultivation is well-suited to Balochistan’s environment, noting the presence of millions of wild olive trees in the region.

Domesticated varieties introduced with the Italian government’s cooperation have now reached the harvesting stage, and farmers are increasingly adopting them.

The government has supported the sector by installing oil extraction units in Loralai, Zhob, Khuzdar and other areas, allowing farmers to process olives locally at nominal costs. However, he said more processing facilities are needed as production expands.

He noted that enhancing value addition and strengthening marketing strategies present important opportunities for growth, emphasizing that focused efforts in these areas can help producers secure better prices for their products and improve overall returns.

He said that locally produced extra-virgin olive oil is superior to many imported products. “Our oil is pure and free from adulteration, unlike imported oils, which are often pomace or mixed,” he claimed.

Currently, all locally produced olive oil is consumed within the country, reflecting strong demand despite prices reaching around Rs3,000 per litre or more.

Kakar also dispelled the perception that olive requires little water.

“For commercial yield, proper irrigation, pruning and fertilisation are essential. Without water, a tree may survive, but it will not produce a good crop,” he explained.

He further noted that olive oil from Loralai has earned international recognition, winning a silver award at a New York competition, largely due to its rich antioxidant profile and high phenolic content.

Calling olive cultivation a ‘blessing’ for Balochistan, Kakar said the crop is not only reviving agriculture but also creating sustainable economic activity in the province.