Modern Olive Oil Extraction Machine Inaugurated in South Waziristan to Boost Agriculture, Local Economy

Hamid Khan Wazir

WANA: As a significant initiative aimed at promoting olive cultivation and strengthening the agricultural economy of Lower South Waziristan, the Agriculture Department has inaugurated a modern olive oil extraction machine.

The facility will provide local olive growers with access to modern processing and value-addition services, enhance the quality and market value of locally produced olives, and contribute to increasing farmers’ incomes and creating sustainable economic opportunities in the region.

Deputy Commissioner South Waziristan Masrat Zaman was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony, while Saif-ur-Rehman, President of the South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attended as the guest of honour. Agriculture Department officers, local farmers and other stakeholders also participated in the event.

In his opening remarks, Agriculture Officer Wana Habib welcomed the guests and farmers and expressed gratitude for their participation. He reaffirmed the Agriculture Department’s commitment to utilizing available resources to provide maximum possible facilities and technical support to local farmers and promote modern agricultural practices in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, the South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized the need to provide farmers with modern agricultural facilities, quality seeds, technical training and advanced farming equipment. The Chamber also called for shifting the newly installed olive oil extraction machine to solar energy and expanding access to modern machinery to further reduce production costs and improve agricultural productivity.

The initiative is expected to provide local olive growers with better opportunities to process their produce locally, potentially adding value to olive cultivation and creating new avenues for farmers, entrepreneurs and the wider local economy.

Senior officials of the Agriculture Department, including Arif Khan and Imran, Agriculture SMS, also attended the ceremony.