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Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced a significant expansion in the cultivation of oilseed crops across the province, including mustard, sesame, and canola. This strategic move aims to bolster domestic production, thereby reducing Pakistan's heavy reliance on imported edible oils and conserving valuable foreign exchange reserves. Minister Memon emphasized that increasing the output of these crops will not only strengthen the local agricultural sector but also provide a substantial boost to the incomes of regional farmers.
According to official data, the area dedicated to mustard cultivation in Sindh has surged from 51,870 hectares to 61,165 hectares. Notable growth has also been recorded in sesame and canola planting. The Minister highlighted that the lower Sindh region possesses immense potential for further mustard expansion. To support this growth, the provincial government is implementing practical measures to provide financial aid, lower input costs, and enhance overall productivity.
Key government priorities include direct support for growers, fertiliser subsidies, the introduction of modern agricultural machinery, and the optimized use of irrigation resources. Farmers are currently receiving financial assistance through the Benazir Hari Card. Additionally, a dedicated support package of Rs14.9 billion has been allocated to provide subsidies for diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser. The Sindh government remains committed to implementing sustainable policies that support the agricultural community and ensure long-term food security through increased domestic oilseed production.
Source: The Express Tribune