April 13, 2012

Pakistan's oilseed output seen 8% up

Pakistan's MY 2012/13 oilseed output is seen at a record 5.8 million tonnes, 8% higher from the estimated 5.7 million tonnes gathered in MY 2011/12.

Pakistan is a net importer of oilseeds and edible oils. Domestic production of edible oils is sufficient to meet only about 27% of total demand. Domestic oilseed production includes cotton seed, sunflower seed and rapeseed.

MY 2012/13 oilseed production is forecast at 5.8 million tonnes, 8% higher than the revised estimate of 5.4 million tonnes harvested in MY 2011/12. Cottonseed regularly accounts for about 82% of Pakistan's total oilseeds production.

Imports of oilseeds are forecast at one million tonnes (80% rapeseed/ rapeseed and 19% sunflower seed). Total supply of oilseed available for crushing in MY 2012/13 is forecasted at 6.2 million tonnes, 8% higher than the estimates of MY 2011/12.

MY 2012/13 domestic meal production is forecast at three million tonnes, up 8% from current year's level of 2.7 million tonnes. MY 2012/13 imports of soymeal are forecast at 350,000 tonnes, 17% higher than MY 2011/12 imports.

Virtually all of Pakistan's soymeal imports are sourced from India.

MY 2012/13 oil production is forecast at 1.5 million tonnes, 8% higher than current year's estimate. Vegetable oil imports are forecast at a record 2.3 million tonnes, an increase of 4% relative to MY2011/12. Palm oil accounts for 98% of the total edible oil imports.