ISLAMABAD
\nMinister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has hailed the international recognition of Pakistani olive oil as a \u201clandmark achievement,\u201d aligning with the ministry\u2019s long-term vision to achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture and food production.
\nThe Minister was referring to Loralai Olives, a premium olive oil brand from Balochistan\u2019s Loralai district, which secured the Silver Award at the 2025 New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) \u2014 widely regarded as the world\u2019s most prestigious contest for olive oil quality, said a press release.
\nSelected from among more than 1,200 global entries, Loralai Olives was lauded for its exceptional quality, sustainable production practices and distinctive packaging.
\nRana Tanveer said that this global recognition was a proud moment for every Pakistani and a validation of Ministry of National Food Security and Research sustained efforts to build a self-reliant agricultural sector. Loralai\u2019s success is Pakistan\u2019s success, he added.
\nHe attributed this achievement to the government\u2019s Olive Cultivation Initiative, launched in 2012, which aimed to develop a comprehensive olive value chain across the country.
\nThe initiative has provided farmers with certified saplings, modern extraction and storage facilities, bottling infrastructure and training in quality assurance, branding and export readiness.
\nLoralai Olives, also known as \u201cLO,\u201d was a shining example of value-added agriculture, he said adding that in collaboration with local growers, the brand utilized cold extraction technology supported by the government.
\n\u201cAt a time when Pakistan imports over $4.5 billion worth of edible oil annually, this award reaffirms that we have the land, climate and expertise to reverse that trend,\u201d the minister noted.
\nHe emphasized that Balochistan\u2019s emergence as a key player in olive farming is a testament to the federal government\u2019s commitment to uplifting marginalized regions, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the national import bill.
\nTo date, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research has supported more than 85 olive-focused startups through its flagship projects, offering financial and technical assistance, as well as access to international standards in olive oil assessment, he added.
\nHe congratulated the farmers of Loralai and the entire LO team for their dedication and innovation, while reaffirming the commitment to expanding olive cultivation in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan in the next phase of the initiative.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has hailed the international recognition of Pakistani olive oil as a \u201clandmark achievement,\u201d aligning with the ministry\u2019s long-term vision to achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture and food production. The Minister was referring to Loralai Olives, a premium olive oil brand from Balochistan\u2019s Loralai district, which […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-479833","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n