Islamabad, The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has announced a significant achievement in Pakistan’s agriculture sector, with a dramatic increase in sesame cultivation and exports, marking a new era in the country’s agricultural development.

According to Press Information Department, this remarkable growth in sesame production is attributed to the successful implementation of the National Oilseeds Enhancement Program (NOEP). In collaboration with provincial governments, the program transformed sesame from a minor crop to a major cash crop, significantly enhancing its cultivation and export potential.

From a modest export value of $89.320 million in 2020, Pakistan’s sesame exports skyrocketed to $407 million in 2023, positioning the country as the 5th largest exporter of sesame globally. The majority of these exports, over 80%, are directed to China.

The NOEP, funded by the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) and in partnership with provincial Agriculture departments of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, has been pivotal in this transformation. The area under sesame cultivation expanded remarkably from 18,000 hectares in 1948 to 399,493 hectares in 2024, representing an increase of 187% in just four years under NOEP.

Punjab leads in sesame production, contributing 95% to the national output, followed by Sindh and Balochistan. The average yield of sesame also saw a substantial increase of 69%, from 442 kg/ha to 750 kg/ha during the tenure of NOEP. Balochistan, in particular, shows high average yields and potential for further expansion due to its favorable climatic conditions.

The NOEP’s strategic interventions have not only revolutionized sesame farming but have also heralded a new era of agricultural prosperity in Pakistan. This success story not only elevates the status of farmers but also positions sesame as a key driver of economic growth and food security, setting a benchmark for sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.