Islamabad, June 9, 2025: In a bid to strengthen food security and boost local agriculture, the federal government has proposed an allocation of Rs. 2.02 billion for the Ministry of National Food Security and Research in the upcoming FY 2025-26 budget.
A major highlight of the proposal is a dedicated Rs. 500 million investment to scale up Pakistan olive farming on a commercial level, marking a strategic effort to reduce the country’s reliance on imported edible oils.
The focus on commercial olive cultivation comes amid growing global demand for premium-quality olive oil. Agricultural experts view this move as a timely initiative, especially for regions like Potohar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, where climate conditions are highly favorable for olive trees.
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This development is expected to place Pakistan olive oil production on the regional map, potentially turning the country into a competitive exporter.
Beyond olive farming, several other allocations are planned to improve agriculture and livestock systems:
- Rs. 485.8 million to develop irrigation and expand command areas in barani (rain-fed) regions, strengthening water management in drought-prone zones.
- Rs. 300 million to set up three feed certification labs in Balochistan, aimed at upgrading the province’s livestock feed quality.
- Rs. 100 million will fund a national oilseed enhancement program, supporting the edible oil self-sufficiency goal.
- Rs. 360 million is earmarked for a livestock disease prevention program, protecting rural livelihoods.
- Rs. 200 million will be invested in a feasibility study for a national agricultural productivity enhancement project.
- Rs. 100 million is allocated for assessing the feasibility of a Pakistan Model Agriculture Research Center to boost research and innovation.
- Rs. 45 million is designated for a joint Pak-Korea wheat seed project, aimed at producing high-yield, certified low-grade wheat seeds.
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These targeted initiatives in the 2025-26 agriculture budget reflect the government’s intent to modernize farming, enhance rural income, and reduce dependence on costly food imports. With a sharp focus on Pakistan’s olive farming potential and scientific development, the agricultural sector is poised for a sustainable growth path.
