On 3 October 2014 became the first state of India to start Olive Oil refinery. The refinery was established at a cost of Rs. 3.75 crore in Lunkaransar area of Bikaner.
Olive oil produced in the refinery will be marked under the brand name of Raj Olive Oil.
Rajasthan is one of the leading states that cultivate olives. The state started cultivation of olive in 2007 under olive cultivation project that was launched during the previous tenure of Vasundhara Raje as the Chief Minister of the state. The project was started by taking assistance of Israel.
At present, Olive has been planted in 282 hectare land in districts like Jhunjhunu, Nagaur, Bikaner and other districts of the state.
The state has seven leading varieties namely Barnea, Arbequina, Crotina, Picholine, Picual, Coraniki and Frontoy.
The government plans to increase the area to 5000 hectares, so that the refinery would get more fruits to increase production.
During the initial stage, olive oil will be produced and later we will utilise the farm produce in making of cosmetics, medicines and cattle feed.
