Current Scenario of Oilseeds in Pakistan

Abstract

Edible oils are vital for human nutrition and play a crucial role in many physiological activities. Oils from plants, particularly from vegetables, are beneficial for health, offering energy, vital fatty acids, and vital nutrients. This review explores the importance of seeds producing oils, specifically emphasizing Pakistan's sector for edible oils. It tracks past shifts, studies current conditions, and foresees potential developments. A significant shortfall in domestic oil production for consumption exists in Pakistan, making the country largely dependent on external sources, subsequently inflating its import expenses. Comparing local output with imports shows a consistent growth in the latter in recent years, paralleled by an uptick in individual intake levels. This review further suggests methods to enhance the domestic production of oilseeds, encompassing considerations like agricultural land repurposing and assesses oilseed's economic implications in Pakistan. It also details obstacles encountered in the production of oilseeds, shedding light on issues like market barriers, seed caliber, and equipment concerns. Emphasizing the potential Pakistan holds for cultivating unconventional oilseeds, this research accentuates the need for a consistent and enduring strategy to boost local output. United initiatives throughout the sector are imperative to realize self-reliance in the oil domain, ranging from distributing superior seeds to ensuring equitable compensations for agriculturists.