April 19, 2007

USDA: Pakistan oilseed output, import seen to surge this year

Pakistan is expected to increase production and importation of oilseed this year due to enhanced local production as well as its expanding poultry industry, the US Department of Agriculture said in its Pakistan Oilseeds and Products Annual 2007 Report.

Oilseed production is seen to increase marginally by three percent due to anticipated growth in cotton, sunflower and rapeseed area and productivity. As its efforts to enhance its domestic production remain unsuccessful (import versus domestic production ratio is 70:30 for the last ten years), the country has relied heavily on imports to support its domestic solvent extraction industry. The policy intent is to enable local producers capture the value-added benefits of imported oilseed and pass it on to the local meal and oil production.

On the other hand, soybean meal production is seen to jump at 4 percent due to enhanced local supply of domestic and imported oilseeds as well as its growing poultry sector. Local processors have been using soybean meal to satisfy the demand from the poultry sector and the increasing utilisation of soybean meal in its mixed feed formulations.

For the full USDA report, please click here