ISLAMABAD (TDI): Pakistan is set to strengthen its scientific collaboration with Italy through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on olive research and cultivation, aiming to promote climate-resilient agriculture, diversify rural livelihoods, and reduce dependence on imported edible oil.
The decision was announced during a meeting at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research in Islamabad, chaired by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain.
Under the proposed MoU, Pakistan’s National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology will work closely with Italy’s University of Bari Aldo Moro, a leading European center for olive research.
The partnership will focus on access to internationally recognized olive varieties, joint research initiatives, and specialized training for Pakistani scientists and technicians.
The collaboration is part of Pakistan’s broader plan to modernize agriculture, strengthen climate adaptation, and ease the pressure on foreign exchange reserves by reducing edible oil imports.
Olive cultivation has gained attention in Pakistan due to its resilience to drought and suitability for arid and semi-arid regions, particularly as climate change and water scarcity challenge traditional crops.
Phase III of the country’s commercial olive expansion program is expected to be launched soon, with plans to expand plantations across suitable agro-climatic zones and strengthen the olive value chain.
During the meeting, officials highlighted Pakistan’s progress in converting marginal and uncultivated lands into productive olive orchards, which support climate resilience, livelihood diversification, and import substitution.
Emphasis was also placed on improving the olive nursery system to provide high-quality, true-to-type plants for farmers.
The forum highlighted the importance of molecular and DNA-based fingerprinting techniques for verifying olive varieties.
These scientific tools will ensure varietal purity, increase confidence in nursery plants, and open new opportunities for horticultural research and innovation in Pakistan.
The National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB) confirmed its technical readiness to undertake molecular testing using advanced facilities, pending access to reference parent material.
Italy, a global leader in olive production and olive oil expertise, will support Pakistan in improving plant varieties, cultivation techniques, and value-chain development.
This collaboration will accelerate local capacity-building and help align domestic production with international standards, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits.
Minahil Khurshid holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from CIPS, NUST. She has a strong interest in current affairs, geopolitics, and policy analysis.
