Islamabad: The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has decided to deepen scientific collaboration with Italy in olive research and cultivation. This decision was taken at a meeting held in Islamabad, chaired by Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting concluded with a decision to initiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan’s National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology and Italy’s University of Bari Aldo Moro. The MoU aims to facilitate access to internationally recognized olive varieties, foster joint research initiatives, and provide specialized training for Pakistani scientists and technicians.

The Ministry also announced plans to formulate Phase-III of the Promotion of Olive Cultivation on a Commercial Scale in Pakistan. During the meeting, significant progress was highlighted, showcasing Pakistan’s efforts in transforming marginal and uncultivated lands into productive olive orchards. This initiative contributes to climate resilience, livelihood diversification, and import substitution.

Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain stressed the importance of expanding olive plantations across suitable agro-climatic zones and strengthening the entire olive value chain. This expansion aims to ensure long-term economic and environmental benefits for the country.