Pakistan aims to reach 70% edible oil self-sufficiency by 2035

Pakistan has developed a long-term strategy to reduce its dependence on imported edible oil and achieve 70% self-sufficiency by 2035. The plan includes a major expansion of oilseed cultivation, growth in domestic processing capacity, and large-scale development of olive farming.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the country remains heavily reliant on imported edible oils. In the 2024/25 fiscal year, Pakistan imported more than 4.1 million tons of edible oil and oilseed products worth nearly $5 billion, while domestic production amounted to only about 474,000 tons.

The government estimates that the new strategy could replace imports of more than 4.5 million tons of edible oil products and save over $7 billion in foreign currency expenditures annually. To achieve this, the area planted with oilseed crops is expected to increase from 1.24 million hectares to 4.6 million hectares by 2035.

Special attention is being given to the development of the olive sector. Under state-supported programs, more than 822,000 olive cuttings have already been planted, while farmers in Balochistan are expanding olive orchards and drip irrigation systems with government assistance.

Pakistan is also investing in farmer training and agricultural infrastructure modernization. Dozens of training programs on olive cultivation, orchard management, and oil processing have already been conducted. In addition, the government approved a €20 million international agricultural support project focused on technical education and the introduction of modern technologies in the farming sector.