Importance of Oilseed Crops in Pakistan

Oilseeds are important commodity crops for the human diet after cereal and sugar crops in the country. They are a source of vegetable oil which provides 2.5 times more energy than protein and carbohydrates. It has some essential fatty acids and vitamins D and E needed for the human body. Vegetable oil is better for health than ghee from an animal source with zero cholesterol and a higher percentage of mono & poly unsaturated fats.

Currently, 0.754 million ha of the total cropped area in Pakistan is under oilseed crops:

• Sunflower

• Rapeseed – Mustard

• Sesame

• Groundnut

• Linseed

• Safflower

In Pakistan, mainly two types of oilseed crops are grown, i.e., traditional (rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, sesame, and linseed) and non-traditional (sunflower, safflower, soybean). The area under these crops remained almost stagnant with minor fluctuations except for sunflower, rapeseed, mustard (especially canola), and sesame which showed a considerable increase in area, production, and yield per unit area during the last 12 years.

Oilseed crops play a significant role in Pakistan's agriculture and economy. Here are some of the key importance of oilseed crops in Pakistan:

Edible Oil Production: Oilseed crops are a major source of edible oils, which are essential for cooking and food preparation. Pakistan is a net importer of edible oils, and domestic production of oilseed crops helps reduce the reliance on imports and ensures a stable supply of cooking oils.

Economic Contribution: Oilseed crops contribute to Pakistan's agricultural sector and economy. The cultivation, processing, and trading of oilseed crops create employment opportunities for farmers, laborers, and workers in related industries. It also generates revenue through exports of oilseeds and their products.

Food Security: Domestic production of oilseed crops enhances food security by providing a vital component of the population's diet. Edible oils derived from oilseed crops serve as a significant source of energy and essential fatty acids necessary for a balanced and nutritious diet.

Livestock Feed: Oilseed crops such as soybeans and sunflower are used in the production of livestock feed. These crops are rich in protein and can be processed into meal or cakes to be fed to livestock. The availability of locally produced oilseed meals reduces the dependence on costly imported feed ingredients and supports the growth of the livestock sector.

Crop Rotation and Soil Health: Oilseed crops are often included in crop rotation systems, which help improve soil fertility and health. They can break disease and pest cycles, reduce soil erosion, and enhance nutrient availability, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.

Biodiesel Production: Some oilseed crops, such as rapeseed and sunflower, can be processed to produce biodiesel, a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Cultivating these crops for biodiesel production can help reduce the country's dependence on imported petroleum products and promote a cleaner energy sector.

Rural Development: Oilseed cultivation can have positive socio-economic impacts on rural areas. Farmers engaged in oilseed production can generate income and improve their livelihoods, contributing to poverty alleviation and rural development.

Overall, oilseed crops hold significant importance in Pakistan by supporting food security, economic growth, employment, sustainable agriculture practices, and the development of the livestock and energy sectors.

Future strategies

• Research Priorities

▪ Collection, evaluation, and maintenance of germplasm of oilseed crops.

▪ Development of improved varieties of oilseed crops.

▪ Development of Hybrids of Sunflower and Rapeseed-mustard.

▪ Development of Canola-type mustard varieties.

▪ Production of Hybrid Seed in the country. C

▪ Conducting National Uniform Yield Trials (NUYT) of sunflower, groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, and sesame.

▪ Standardization of package of production technology for oilseed crops.

• Dissemination of production technology

• Proper machinery

• Credit facilities

• Improvement in marketing