CHAKWAL: Nestled in the scenic hills of Kallar Kahar, one of Asia’s largest olive farms is offering a glimpse into a future in which Pakistan could emerge as a significant producer of olive oil, reducing import dependence and opening new opportunities for agricultural exports.
Izhar Olive Farm, established in 2010 with olive saplings imported from Spain, has become a symbol of Pakistan’s growing olive industry. What began as an ambitious experiment more than a decade ago has evolved into a large-scale agricultural venture producing olives for premium extra virgin olive oil.
The farm reflects a broader shift in Pakistan’s agricultural sector as farmers and investors increasingly turn to crops that are better suited to changing climatic conditions and water scarcity.
Olive trees require relatively little water, can withstand harsh weather and remain productive for decades, making them an attractive option for sustainable farming.
Harvesting takes place daily during the season, with workers handpicking olives from the trees while specialised shaker machines are also used to collect fruit efficiently.
The olives are then transported for processing, where modern machinery converts them into cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
Made in Pakistan
The extraction process combines advanced technology with strict quality controls. After the fruit is cleaned and separated from leaves, it is crushed into pulp before undergoing a series of stages that separate oil from moisture and other materials.
The result is fresh extra virgin olive oil that is bottled and distributed across Pakistan under the label “Made in Pakistan”.
Industry advocates believe the country possesses significant untapped potential. Pakistan’s diverse climate, vast tracts of suitable land and increasing expertise in olive cultivation have encouraged optimism that domestic production could expand substantially in the coming years.
Experts say that if investment in modern farming techniques, processing facilities and export infrastructure continues, Pakistan could gradually establish itself as a recognised olive-producing nation beyond South Asia.
Pakistan’s emerging olive sector
The success of projects such as Izhar Olive Farm also highlights the role of innovation in modern agriculture. International-standard drip irrigation systems are being used to maximise water efficiency, while different olive varieties are cultivated for both table consumption and oil production.
As global demand for olive oil continues to rise, Pakistan’s emerging olive sector offers an opportunity to diversify agricultural exports and strengthen rural economies.
While countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece continue to dominate the global olive oil market, supporters of the industry believe Pakistan is laying the foundations for a promising future.
For now, the olive groves of Kallar Kahar stand as evidence of a growing ambition: to transform Pakistan into a recognised name in the world of olive oil.
