Olive Cultivation technology in Nepal

1. Olive Cultivation in Nepal
Presented by
Umesh Timilsina
Assistant professor
CNRM, Bardibas, AFU

2. 🌿 1. Introduction
• Olive (Olea europaea) is a subtropical evergreen tree
• Native to the Mediterranean region
• Known for edible fruits and high-quality oil production
Uses
• Consumption
• Olive pulp - pickling
• Leaves - fodder
• Olive Oil cake - manure
• Timber - firewood and farm handles

3. ️
🗺️2. Status in Nepal
• Introduced in 1978 by FAO at Godavari and Baitadi
• Major growing areas: Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Doti, Surkhet, Dang, Palpa
• Varieties: Frantoio, Leccino, Arbosana, Arbequina, Koroneiki
• Wild olives were recorded at Matyalo of Bajura district on both the deforested
and cultivated areas along the Karnali river (Paudel, 2009).
Commercial cultivars:
• Nuovo, Nabali, and Manzanilla HADP in 1978
• Mission and Rakka by JICA in 1994
• 18 cultivars by FAO in 1998 (Dhakal & Regmi, 2008)
• 28 varieties of olive from Tuscia university, Italy

4. Species District Locality Elevation
Olea cuspidate Dolpa Parang and Thuli Bheri, Dunai, Upper
Bheri, Tallon, Parakya logne Karnali
1100-1800
Rukum Godamkot 1150
Humla Darma, Simikot 1800
Bajura Kaligad, Kolti, Boldhik 2192
Olea glandulifera Bajhang Chainpur,Manakot,Baru Ganga 1530-1566
• In Nepal, Olea europaea var sativa is distributed in different locations from
Farwestern to Central Nepal.
Table: Two olea species and their availability in different localities of Nepal

5. ️
🌦️3. Climate & Soil
• Elevation: 1100–2200 masl
• Annual rainfall of 700 mm
• Annual sunshine 2000 hrs
• Climate: Dry temperate, cool winters
• Land facing North –South is best
• Soil: Well-drained, Soil containing 45-65% sand , pH 6–8
• Ten districts of Nepal, Dolpa, Humla, Mugu, Kalikot, Jumla, Bajhang,
Bajura and Rukum are suitable for commercial olive cultivation.

6. 🌱 4. Propagation
• Mainly by cuttings or grafting
• Nursery raising in polybags for transplanting
• Planting distance: 6 m × 6 m

7. ‍5. Cultivation Practices
• Pruning: Shape and productivity
• Irrigation: Required in dry seasons
• Manuring: FYM + NPK (100:60:40 kg/ha)
6. Harvesting & Yield
• Bearing starts from 4–5 years
• Harvest: October–December (fruit turns greenish-black)
• Yield: ~20–30 kg/tree (at maturity)
️
🛢️7. Processing & Uses
• Virgin Olive Oil extraction from fresh fruits
• Also used as pickles and cosmetics
• Oil content: 15–25%

8. 8. Prospects & Challenges
Prospects:
• High-value crop, suitable for mid-hills
• Potential for import substitution
Challenges:
• Poor technical knowledge
• Limited processing facilities
• Pest & disease management issues
📌 9. Government Initiatives
• Olive Promotion Program in mid and far-western hills
• Technical training & sapling distribution
• Research support by NARC and DADO offices