QUETTA: The first meeting of the Provincial Consultative Group (PCG) on olive sector development in Balochistan was successfully held under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary (Development), Department of Agriculture and Cooperative. The meeting marks a significant milestone in the province’s push to strengthen its position in the national olive value chain.
Representatives from leading organizations—including the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF)—participated in the meeting to present their progress, share challenges, and propose collaborative strategies to uplift the olive sector.
PPAF’s impact in the olive sector
During the session, PPAF highlighted its contributions to olive cultivation and value chain development across Balochistan. From supporting farmers with high-quality plant material to facilitating post-harvest processing and capacity-building, PPAF’s role in promoting olive farming was lauded by the Director General of Agriculture Research, who acknowledged the organization’s vital support to the sector.
Key discussion areas included:
- Certification of olive plant varieties for quality assurance
- Establishment and enforcement of olive oil standards
- The role of trade authorities in facilitating market linkages and exports
The forum emphasized the need for strong institutional coordination, farmer training, and investment in research and innovation to boost the province’s capacity to produce high-grade olive oil for local and international markets.
The consultative group reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate-resilient agriculture and expanding olive farming in Balochistan, in line with the national objective of reducing edible oil imports and promoting self-sufficiency.
