Rs. 2.02 Billion Proposed for Agriculture with Focus on Olive Farming in FY 2025-26

The federal government has proposed an allocation of Rs. 2.02 billion for the Ministry of National Food Security and Research in the upcoming budget for FY 2025-26. A major focus of this funding is the promotion of commercial olive cultivation across the country.

Rs. 500 million has been earmarked specifically to scale up olive farming on a commercial basis. This initiative is viewed as a strategic effort to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported edible oils, encourage crop diversification, and take advantage of the growing global demand for premium olive oil.

Experts highlight that regions such as Potohar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Balochistan offer ideal conditions for olive cultivation, making Pakistan well-positioned to become a regional hub for olive oil production.

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In addition to olive farming, the proposed budget outlines several targeted investments to support agriculture and food security:

• Rs. 485.8 million to expand command areas in barani (rain-fed) zones, improving irrigation and water management.

• Rs. 300 million to establish three feed certification laboratories in Balochistan for better quality control of animal feed.

• Rs. 100 million for a national oilseed production enhancement program aimed at reducing edible oil imports.

• Rs. 360 million for a livestock disease prevention program to support herd health and rural economies.

• Rs. 200 million for a feasibility study on a national agricultural productivity enhancement project.

• Rs. 100 million for the feasibility of establishing a Pakistan Model Agriculture Research Center to boost innovation and research.

• Rs. 45 million for a joint Pak-Korea initiative to produce certified low-grade wheat seed to enhance yield and quality.