To increase the production of edible oil, it is necessary to work on urgent foundations, Special Assistant to the President of the Federation
The government should cooperate, and with the participation of the private sector, the country’s needs can be met, former President Kati
Karachi: Sheikh Omar Rehan, former president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), and the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), has called for urgent measures to increase the production of edible oil, including palm oil, in the country. He said that the government should formulate a 10-year policy to increase the production of edible oil so that Pakistan can become self-sufficient in edible oil production. He said that a large part of Pakistan’s income comes from edible oil, and more than $4.5 billion worth of edible oil and seeds are imported annually. The Special Assistant to the President of the Federation expressed concern that edible oil imports, including pulses, would double in the coming years. He said that an increase in imports of pulses would put pressure on foreign exchange reserves, which could further increase. Omar Rehan said that the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan are extremely suitable for the production of palm, sesame, and sunflower, and successful experiments have been conducted by the government, which have yielded positive results. The land in these areas is very suitable for meeting the need for edible oil. He said that if the government takes the lead, an increase in edible oil production can be achieved through the participation of the private sector. Sheikh Omar Rehan further said that increasing the production of edible oil at the national level will not only save foreign exchange but will also fulfill the increasing local demand.
