The Rajasthan government has sought technical assistance from Spain to save more than one lakh olive trees planted across the state as part of an ambitious cultivation project launched nearly 18 years ago. The move comes as the plantations face mounting challenges from adverse weather and irrigation-related issues.
Rajasthan’s olive farming programme was once seen as a pioneering experiment to introduce a Mediterranean crop to the arid regions of India. Over the years, thousands of olive trees were planted with the goal of establishing commercial cultivation and even domestic production of olive oil.
However, the project has run into difficulties due to the state’s harsh climatic conditions. Extremely high summer temperatures, long monsoon spells and chilly winters have created an environment quite different from that of traditional olive-growing regions, putting stress on the plantations.
Irrigation has emerged as another major challenge. Ensuring a steady and appropriate supply of water in a largely dry state has proved difficult, and inconsistent irrigation has affected the health and productivity of many trees. These factors together have threatened the survival of the plantations.
In the initial phase of the project, Rajasthan drew on Israeli expertise, as Israel had considerable experience in cultivating crops in dry and challenging conditions. That collaboration helped establish the groundwork for olive farming in the state.
Now, the government is turning to Spain, one of the world’s largest producers of olives and olive oil, for fresh technical support. The Borges Group of Spain, a major player in the global olive industry, has been closely observing the developments in Rajasthan and is being looked to for guidance.
Officials hope that Spanish expertise in olive cultivation, tree management and processing can help revive the struggling plantations and put the project back on track. The aim is to protect the existing trees while improving yields and building a sustainable model for the future.
The state government views olive farming as an opportunity to diversify agriculture and boost farmers’ incomes. If cultivated successfully on a commercial scale, olives could open up new markets and reduce India’s dependence on imported olive oil, which is currently sourced largely from abroad.
Agricultural experts believe that with the right technical inputs, careful selection of varieties and improved irrigation practices, the plantations can be saved and even expanded. They stress, however, that adapting a Mediterranean crop to Rajasthan’s conditions requires patience and continuous scientific support.
The decision to seek help from Spain reflects the government’s determination to salvage the significant investment made in the project over nearly two decades. Losing over one lakh trees would not only be an economic setback but also a blow to the vision of making Rajasthan a hub for olive cultivation.
As discussions move forward, officials remain hopeful that international cooperation will breathe new life into the state’s olive farming dream. For the farmers and planners involved, the coming months could prove crucial in determining the future of this unique agricultural venture.
The outcome of this initiative will be watched closely by agricultural scientists and policymakers across the country, as its success or failure could shape the future of olive cultivation and other non-traditional crops in the arid parts of India for years to come.