The Pakistani government announced this week that it will raise the support price of Pakistani sunflower seeds from 1,600 rupees to 2,000 rupees/40kg, aiming at reducing the import expenses of the edible oil and oilseeds in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s food and agriculture minister pointed out, that Pakistani government may also export surplus wheat. The government will make a final decision before the new wheat is launched.

Pakistan imports approximately USD 1.7 billion worth of the edible oil every year. Affected by the price fluctuations, sometimes the import expenditure of the edible oil may reach as the high as USD 2 billion. If the output of the sunflower seeds in Pakistan increases, then the dependence on the imports will decrease.

This year, the sown area of the sunflower seeds in Pakistan is expected to increase from 872,000 acres last year to 1.145 million acres, and the output will increase from 51,300 tons to 71,100 tons. He pointed out, that oilseed company had assured the government that they would purchase sunflower seeds from the farmer’s for 2,000 rupees /40kg.

In addition to improving the farmer’s income, the increase in sunflower seed support prices is also aimed at encouraging a balanced farming model. Earlier, the Pakistani government raised the price of wheat support, attracting farmers to increase the planting area of wheat.

This year, the sown area of the rapeseed in Pakistan may increase from 57,000 acres last year to 100,000 hectares, and the output will increase from 68,000 tons to 100,000 tons.