LORALAI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with the Balochistan Agriculture Department, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Taraqee Foundation, organized an awareness session at the Munipal Hall in Loralai. The session which was aimed to mention the export potential of Balochistan’s olive sector and align it with international market demands.
He was speaking to participants, TDAP’s National Product Officer Zain-ul-Abideen revealed a remarkable 600% surge in Pakistan’s olive oil exports from 15 tons in 2020 to 160 tons in 2024. He focused on the urgent need to move beyond low-cost bulk exports and transition to high-quality, branded, and certified extra virgin olive oil in order to secure Pakistan’s rightful share in the $14 billion global olive market.
Furthermore, Identifying Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Middle East as key growth markets, Zain-ul-Abideen urged stakeholders to adopt halal, organic, ISO certifications, geographical indication (GI) tagging, and traceability systems to meet global buyer standards. He also advocated for promoting the Export Development Fund to increase capacity building, promote Pakistani olive oil internationally, and build a sustainable export framework for farmers, processors, and traders alike.
In such a case, the Agriculture Department officials Dr. Yousaf and Habibullah Kakar mentioned that Loralai’s semi-humid climate and modern farming techniques are ideal for olive cultivation. In addition, over 300,000 olive saplings were distributed in 2024–25, achieving an 80% survival rate a clear indication of the region entering a commercially viable production phase.
Additionally, Haji Ismat Kadezai, President of the Zamindar Action Committee, pointed out the current infrastructure gap only one oil extraction unit exists in Loralai, while at least ten units will be required by 2030 to meet projected yields.
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The session concluded with a collective resolve that, with TDAP’s leadership and institutional collaboration, Loralai could emerge as Pakistan’s leading olive export zone, contributing significantly to national trade and rural economic growth.
