The government of Pakistan has identified the olive and dairy sectors as key priorities for investment, aiming to strengthen the country’s agriculture and food security, while promoting rural economic development. This commitment was highlighted at the Hand-in-Hand National Agriculture Investment Summit 2026 on Olive and Dairy Sectors, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. The summit featured remarks by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited President Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, emphasizing strategies for sectoral growth and farmer support.
Rana Tanveer Hussain underscored the vast potential of the olive sector, noting that its development could reduce Pakistan’s edible oil import bill by up to USD 3 billion. The minister highlighted the dairy sector as another major growth area, citing Pakistan’s position as the world’s fifth-largest milk producer and emphasizing opportunities for expanding exports of value-added dairy products. The government’s focus on these sectors reflects a broader strategy to increase domestic production, improve food security, and enhance farmer incomes.
ZTBL, the country’s largest agriculture financing institution, has played a critical role in supporting small dairy farmers and olive growers. Over the past three years, the bank has disbursed Rs 60 billion under dairy financing schemes, including Rs 13 billion through the Prime Minister’s Kissan Package at concessional mark-up rates. Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti highlighted ZTBL’s development-oriented approach, combining financing with advisory services and on-farm innovation to ensure that farmers receive both capital and technical support for sustainable growth.
A notable initiative showcased at the summit was ZTBL’s ginger intercropping experiment in olive orchards at the bank’s demonstration farm in Islamabad. Conducted in collaboration with the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute in Faisalabad, the project demonstrated the successful cultivation of ginger under olive trees, enabling farmers to generate additional income during the early non-bearing years of olive plantations. Such initiatives reflect ZTBL’s commitment to promoting practical, income-generating solutions for small-scale farmers.
Bhatti also presented ZTBL’s state-of-the-art olive oil extraction and packaging unit at the Islamabad demonstration farm. The facility provides free extraction services to olive growers, supporting value addition and helping farmers access higher returns from their produce. This initiative aligns with the bank’s broader goal of strengthening the entire value chain, from cultivation to processing and market access.
The summit included an information and demonstration stall set up by ZTBL, which attracted significant attention from participants. The stall showcased farm products, value-added goods, and educational materials about the bank’s financing schemes and advisory services. Visitors engaged with experts, learning how ZTBL’s programs can enhance productivity, improve profitability, and foster innovation in the agriculture sector.
By prioritizing the olive and dairy sectors and providing substantial financial support, ZTBL is playing a transformative role in Pakistan’s rural economy. The bank’s approach, which combines concessional financing, technical guidance, and innovative farming models, aims to empower small farmers, expand production, and promote value-added products for local and export markets. With government support and collaborative initiatives, ZTBL is setting a benchmark for modern agricultural financing in Pakistan, reinforcing its position as a key driver of sectoral development and rural prosperity.
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