Sesame exports from Pakistan have exceeded Rs 75 billion in the current fiscal year, and it is possible that they will rise even higher.
Oilseed and soybean projects worth about Rs 100 billion have been approved by the Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) in an effort to cut down on oil import bill and boost farmer income, which will ultimately boost the nation’s economy.
Sesame exports from Pakistan have exceeded Rs 75 billion in the current fiscal year, and it is possible that they will rise even higher. Agricultural scientists and farmers should be commended for this outstanding accomplishment.
Dr. Javed Ahmed, the chief scientist of the wheat department at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, made these remarks to the attendees of a one-day training seminar that was organised by the department of oilseeds.
The cooperation between China and Pakistan, he continued, was being bolstered in order to develop the agricultural sector, which will encourage the export of fisheries, fruits, livestock, and agriculture. There will be new employment opportunities for Pakistan’s farmers and rural residents.
On this occasion, Project Director Foundation Seed Cell Dr. Aziz-ur-Rehman stated that it was possible to provide certified seed to farmers thanks to the efforts of agricultural scientists. The promotion of certified seed has increased the production of various crops, including oil seed and hence it will help to reduce the oil import bill.
Dr. Muhammad Riaz, Chief Scientist, Department of Oilseeds, informed the participants that the institute has introduced more than 40 new varieties of mustard, canola, and raya and provided pre-basic seeds to more than 50 private seed companies in addition to Punjab Seed Corporation.
The participants were informed by agricultural scientist Hafiz Saad bin Mustafa that due to Pakistan’s annual population growth of 4.5 million, it has become difficult for agricultural scientists to supply the nation’s population with food on time.
Increasing agricultural production is urgently needed in light of both climate change and the current state of the economy in the country. The industry is working around the clock to conserve valuable foreign currency in the form of edible oil in order to achieve food security.
The one-day seminar was attended by a large number of agricultural scientists, academia, private seed companies, and farmers.