July 8, 2008

Pakistan to boost oil seeds production to lessen import dependence

Pakistan is expected to launch National Oilseed Development Projects to enhance edible oil production to meet half its domestic requirements.

The project, to be launched by Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal) is to be completed within five years, according to a government officially.

The projects would encourage growers to cultivate oilseeds so as to allow the country to save on the US$1.3 billion a year it spends to import edible oil.

Pakistan's current production can only meet 28 percent of local demand.