Secretary Agriculture Punjab Muhammad Mahmood has said that a five-year plan has been chalked out to turn Potohar region in to 'Olive Valley.' Under this project, the government will provide 0.20 million free olive plants to the selected farmers in Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab and other districts. This was disclosed by him at the 9th meeting of Olive Development Group (ODG), said a spokesman of the department here on Friday.

Dr Abid Mahmood, Director General Agriculture (Research), Dr Tariq, Director BARI Chakwal, Members of US Olive Development group and progressive olive growers participated this meeting. The Secretary further said special steps had been taken for the promotion of olive crop in Potohar Region. A large number of growers are showing their keen interest in cultivation of olive crop and in contact with agriculture department for obtaining olive plants and technical assistance regarding cultivation of the crop.

Muhammad Mahmood added in Punjab, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Khushab and other districts were the potential areas for olive cultivation. The department is also conducting awareness and training programs to facilitate the people by creating awareness on olive cultivation techniques and producing value added products. The marginal lands could be utilized for olive cultivation without replacing other crops and it would also help in reducing the import bill of the country.

He further said that the province is playing an important role in ensuring food security in the country. The pro-farmer policies of the government resulted in 3.5% increase in agriculture growth. Similarly, some crops witnessed 8% increase in growth this year. He added the incumbent government was well aware of issues afflicting the agriculture sector and prosperity of farmers was linked with improved agriculture.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017