In a historic achievement for Pakistan’s agriculture sector, Loralai—a district in Balochistan—has earned a silver medal at the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition, the world’s largest event of its kind. Out of over 1,200 entries from across the globe, Loralai Olives distinguished itself with its premium-quality product, bringing global recognition to Pakistan’s emerging olive oil industry.
The award-winning oil was extracted from the Arbequina olive variety, cultivated on local farms in Loralai. Shaukat Rasool, CEO of Loralai Olives, expressed immense pride in the achievement, calling it a milestone for the country. “This win demonstrates that Pakistan is capable of producing olive oil that meets international standards,” he stated. Notably, Loralai Olives is the first South Asian brand to receive such an honor at this global event.
Abdul Jabbar, the owner of the farm behind the award-winning oil, shared that this moment came after years of dedication and perseverance. His 30-acre olive farm yielded over 9,000 liters of oil last year, generating substantial profit. Olive trees, known for their resilience, thrive in the region’s tough climate and require minimal water, making them an ideal crop for Balochistan’s arid conditions.
Agricultural experts agree that Balochistan holds significant promise for olive cultivation. The province offers optimal soil and weather conditions, leading to higher oil yields than other regions of Pakistan. In some parts of Balochistan, farmers report oil extraction rates of up to 30 liters per 100 kg of olives—twice the yield typically seen in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan’s olive oil industry is experiencing rapid growth, with strong backing from government initiatives aimed at supporting farmers through plant distribution and resource allocation. Beyond economic potential, olive farming also contributes to environmental sustainability, as olive trees absorb carbon and help combat climate change.
With continued support and investment, experts believe Pakistan is well-positioned to become a major player in the global olive oil market.