Olives

Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal developed two olive varieties as BARI Zaitoon 1&2. These varieties have been developed through selection from exotic germplasm imported from Italy. Both varieties showed good adaptability to the Pothowar and adjoining plains of the Punjab. The fruit tree has medium plant vigor with spreading nature of growth along with profuse branching. It’s medium to late maturing variety which starts fruiting after four years of planting. Flowering starts in the month of March and fruit mature in the month of September to October. The fruit is of medium size having elongate shape. The average fruit weight has been recorded to be 2.8 g with medium width of stalk cavity which is elliptic in shape. The color change of the fruit starts from apex and attain dark violet color at full maturity. The average yield of variety is 23 kg/plant with oil content of 19.34%.

• Olive varieties have shown fruit bearing, in Lahore, Kasur, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Layyah, Bhakkar and Mianwali showing great potential for its expansion in the Punjab.
•  No extra care and attention is needed compared to other fruit orchards.
• It possesses the longest productive life (200-250 years) than all other fruit trees.
• These varities lessen the import bill of edible oil
• Olive is labor extensive venture, thus creation of more jobs will improve the socio-economic conditions.
• More economic returns compared to other field crop.

Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal