Loralai, a district in Balochistan, has made history by winning a silver medal at the world’s largest olive oil competition. The New York International Olive Oil Competition saw over 1200 brands from around the world. Among them, Loralai Olives stood out and secured the silver award. This achievement highlights Pakistan’s potential in olive oil production.
The olive oil was made from the Arbequina variety grown in Loralai’s farms. Shaukat Rasool, CEO of Loralai Olives, expressed his pride in representing Pakistan on the global stage. He believes this victory proves that Pakistan can produce olive oil of international standards. Additionally, the win places Loralai Olives as the first South Asian brand to claim this honor.
Abdul Jabbar, the owner of the olive farm in Loralai, shared that this success came after years of hard work. His 30-acre farm produced over 9,000 liters of olive oil last year, bringing in significant profits. The olive trees, which are hardy and resilient, thrive in harsh weather conditions and require less water. This makes them ideal for the region’s climate.
Experts agree that Balochistan is perfect for olive farming. The province has ideal soil and weather for olives to grow. Olive trees here yield more oil compared to other regions in Pakistan. In some areas, trees produce up to 30 liters of oil per 100 kg of fruit. This is double the output in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan’s olive industry is growing rapidly. The government is supporting this growth with initiatives to provide farmers with plants and resources. Olive farming offers not only high profits but also environmental benefits. Olive trees absorb carbon, making them beneficial for the environment. With the right support, olive oil production in Pakistan can expand and become a global leader in the market.