Pakistan Aims to Boost Edible Oil Production to Reduce Import Dependency
Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to enhance Pakistan’s domestic edible oil production to decrease reliance on imports and conserve foreign exchange reserves. During a high-level meeting on agricultural development and food security, he directed authorities to introduce innovative strategies to improve oilseed cultivation and support farmers in increasing local production.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of research-driven agricultural advancements and called for active participation from young researchers to drive innovation in the sector. He also instructed a nationwide crackdown on companies supplying substandard seeds, ensuring the availability of high-quality inputs for farmers.
To modernize farming techniques, Shehbaz Sharif urged collaboration between provincial governments, the private sector, and agricultural institutions to promote mechanization and efficiency. Additionally, discussions included accelerating reforms in agricultural trade and food safety regulations, with authorities working on the establishment of a National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority.
With Pakistan heavily dependent on edible oil imports, these measures aim to strengthen local production, reduce costs, and enhance food security. The meeting, attended by government officials and industry experts, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering self-sufficiency in key agricultural commodities.