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Sharjeel Inam Memon, the Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, has characterized the recent growth in mustard, sesame, and canola cultivation within the province as a highly encouraging development. In a formal statement, the Minister emphasized that boosting the domestic production of edible oils is a strategic necessity to curb import reliance, preserve the nation's foreign exchange reserves, and enhance the livelihoods of local farmers.
According to data shared by the Senior Minister, the area dedicated to mustard cultivation in Sindh has expanded significantly, rising from 51,870 hectares to 61,165 hectares. This upward trend has also been observed in the cultivation of sesame and canola crops. Minister Memon highlighted the vast, untapped potential for mustard production in the lower regions of Sindh, noting that capitalizing on these agricultural opportunities is key to driving total production higher.
To support this agricultural shift, the Sindh government is implementing practical measures aimed at providing financial relief and modernizing the sector. Key government priorities include direct financial assistance to farmers, fertiliser subsidies, the introduction of advanced agricultural machinery, and more effective management of irrigation resources.
Minister Memon further specified that financial aid is being distributed via the Benazir Hari Card system. Additionally, farmers are benefiting from subsidies on DAP fertiliser as part of a broader relief package valued at Rs14.9 billion. He reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector, ensuring farmer prosperity, and gradually phasing out the country's heavy dependence on imported edible oils.
Source: Daily Times