Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research convened to discuss the state of Pakistan’s oilseed sector, expressing concern over the country’s growing dependency on imported edible oil and emphasizing the need to bolster local production. Chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, the meeting highlighted the strategic importance of reducing import reliance to enhance national food security.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the session was attended by Senator Abdul Wasay, Senator Shahadut Awan, Secretary Ministry for National Food Security and Research, and other senior officials. Senator Ahsan opened the meeting by stressing that oilseed plays a crucial role in the economy, necessitating concrete measures to promote domestic production. Managing Director of the Pakistan Oilseed Department, Basharat Hussain Shah, briefed the committee on the decline in sunflower cultivation from 1.1 million acres in 2011 to 171,000 acres, and the launch of the National Oilseed Enhancement Programme in 2019.

Secretary Aamir Ali Ahmed informed the committee of the federal government’s decision to abolish the Pakistan Oilseed Department by January 1, 2025, following the 18th Constitutional Amendment. However, he noted that the ministry had recommended its continuation due to oilseed’s strategic importance. Despite devolution, national programmes to increase production continue, with a focus on olive cultivation and allocated funds showing positive results in various regions.

Senator Shahadat Awan questioned the rationale for maintaining the department and highlighted the lack of provincial cooperation. He stressed the need for constitutional adherence and financial prudence. Chairman Ahsan called for a pragmatic approach, noting international cooperation in the sector but lamenting the disappearance of such initiatives.

Officials revealed that Pakistan’s annual edible oil import bill exceeds $5 billion, urging enhanced domestic production. They noted fixed import duties on oilseeds over the past decade and compared Pakistan’s lower import duties to those in India. The discussion concluded with a directive for the Ministry to provide detailed data on edible oil imports to guide future policy and reduce national economic burdens.