Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that 100 young agricultural graduates from Pakistan will be sent to Italy for advanced, hands-on training in olive cultivation, processing, marketing, and value chain development — a move tied to the government’s newly launched National Olive Value Chain Policy.
Speaking at the policy’s launch ceremony, the prime minister said the selected graduates would receive modern, practical training in the core areas of the olive sector, spanning cultivation techniques through to processing, marketing strategy, and full value chain management. He described olive oil as healthy in every respect and commended the efforts of farmers, researchers, and exporters who have already built momentum in Pakistan’s emerging olive sector.
According to the prime minister, olives are currently being cultivated on approximately 60,000 acres across Pakistan, and he stressed the need for continued government support to farmers as part of a broader agricultural revolution the administration hopes to drive forward. He specifically acknowledged provincial governments for their cooperation in supporting olive cultivation efforts to date.
Framing the initiative within Pakistan’s larger economic challenges, Shehbaz Sharif noted that the country currently imports edible oil worth around $4 billion annually. He posed a pointed question to the audience about what greater national service could be rendered than saving even $400 million through expanded local production — underlining the direct economic rationale behind the olive training program.
The prime minister also called for expanded promotion of palm oil and sunflower cultivation alongside olives, as part of a coordinated strategy to reduce Pakistan’s overall edible oil import bill. He additionally highlighted the significance of Pakistan-Italy cooperation more broadly, citing agriculture and tractor manufacturing as sectors where the two countries already collaborate meaningfully.
Looking ahead, Shehbaz Sharif said cooperation with Italy would be expanded further in olive production, value addition, and modern processing techniques, with federal and provincial governments working jointly to provide farmers with better facilities and support infrastructure.
For agriculture graduates and students interested in international training opportunities linked to government policy initiatives, this program represents a notable pathway combining technical skill-building with direct national economic relevance. Follow STI Portal’s Scholarship section for updates on similar international training and study opportunities.
Agricultural exchange programs such as this one give Pakistani graduates hands-on exposure to advanced European farming techniques, food processing standards, and olive cultivation practices that are still relatively new to Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Officials hope returning trainees will help modernize local practices and open new avenues for agri-based exports in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Pakistani students will train in Italy under the olive policy?
100 young agricultural graduates will be sent to Italy for advanced training in olive cultivation, processing, marketing, and value chain development.
What is the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy?
It is a government policy launched to boost domestic olive cultivation and reduce Pakistan’s edible oil import bill through local production.
How much does Pakistan spend on edible oil imports annually?
Pakistan imports edible oil worth around $4 billion annually, according to PM Shehbaz Sharif.