Govt to Send Pakistani Students to Italy for Training

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a plan to send 100 agricultural graduates to Italy for specialized training in olive cultivation, processing, marketing, and value chain development. At the launch of the Pakistan National Olive Value Chain Policy, the prime minister emphasized the graduates would receive modern education in essential aspects of the olive sector.

Olive oil, he noted, is beneficial in numerous ways, and he applauded the endeavors of farmers, researchers, and exporters for setting a high standard in the olive industry. The prime minister acknowledged the support of provincial governments in encouraging olive cultivation across the nation and expressed gratitude for their cooperation.

He highlighted that olives are grown on 60,000 acres of land in Pakistan and stressed the importance of empowering farmers to bring about an agricultural transformation. Sharif pointed out that Pakistan spends $4 billion annually on imported edible oil and proposed that local production could save as much as $400 million. He also suggested promoting palm oil and sunflower cultivation to further diminish the import bill.

The prime minister underscored the significance of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Italy in agriculture, tractor manufacturing, and other fields. He affirmed that cooperation would be further enhanced in olive production, value addition, and modern processing techniques. Sharif also mentioned that both federal and provincial governments would collaborate to provide improved facilities for farmers.