Diversifying the Economy: Over Two Million Olive Saplings Planted in Libya Last Year

Libyan farmer Khaled Attia Kashkor, an olive cultivation enthusiast since 1989, has disclosed that more than two million olive saplings were planted across Libya over the past year. This major effort is aimed at boosting national output and lessening the country’s sole reliance on oil revenues for its economy.
In a statement given to Al-Manassa, Attia explained that the olive tree is relatively low-cost compared to other crops, largely due to its robust resistance to prevailing weather conditions and diseases. He emphasized that this expansion will benefit consumers through increased local supply, thereby lowering oil prices, while simultaneously enhancing the income streams for farmers.
Beyond the economic advantages, Attia highlighted the substantial health benefits of olive oil. He asserted that Libyan oil can be used for frying up to nine times without losing its beneficial properties, a significant advantage over alternatives like corn or sunflower oil, making it a distinguished choice for the Libyan table.
Concluding his remarks, Attia urged businessmen and farmers alike to invest in this vital sector. He stressed that fostering agricultural development in this area will not only diversify national income away from petroleum but also help restore Libya’s historic standing as a major centre for olive cultivation, tracing its heritage back to the age of the Phoenicians, in pursuit of sustainable economic and social returns