By Ayesha Saba

Oilseed cultivation in Pakistan has expanded to 927,678 acres under the National Oilseeds Enhancement Program (NOEP), contributing to an estimated import substitution of $1.11 billion, according to the Monthly Development Update released by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.

The report states that the National Oilseeds Enhancement Program is a federally approved initiative designed to strengthen domestic production of edible oil by promoting the cultivation of canola, sunflower and sesame across the country.

According to the report, the programme has a total outlay of Rs10.96 billion and is being implemented in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The initiative is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2026.

Oilseed cultivation has expanded across multiple provinces and agro-ecological zones under the programme.

The report highlights that the programme has recorded strong performance in several provinces. Balochistan achieved 120 percent of its cultivation targets, while Punjab recorded 80 percent progress and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa achieved 78 percent.

According to the report, the expansion of oilseed cultivation has contributed to increased production of major oilseed crops.

Canola production recorded an increase of 328 percent under the programme, while sesame production increased by 482 percent. The report also notes that yields improved across all promoted oilseed crops.

The Planning Ministry’s update states that the increase in sesame production has also supported growth in sesame exports, contributing to diversification in the country’s agricultural exports and strengthening agro-based value chains.

In addition to increasing production, the programme has provided direct support to farmers through subsidies and agricultural inputs.

According to the report, more than 300,000 farmers have benefited from the initiative through the provision of quality seed, agricultural inputs and farm machinery.

The report notes that the programme focuses on promoting oilseed cultivation to strengthen domestic edible oil production and support agricultural development across participating regions.

The Monthly Development Update highlights that the expansion of oilseed cultivation under the programme has contributed to import substitution valued at approximately $1.11 billion while supporting farmers and improving crop production across multiple provinces.

Credit: INP-WealthPk