Pakistan's edible oil needs and prospects for self-sufficiency

Abstract

This paper looks at Pakistan's potential for self-sufficiency in edible oil production. Despite positive attempts, Pakistan plunged deeper into oil imports due to slower growth of output compared to sharp increases in demand which became unaffordable in the recent years. Many factors have been responsible for this sad state of affairs including rapid population growth, low oil prices, rising incomes, substitution of edible oil for animal fats, disincentive pricing, competition from HYVs of other crops, lack of proper marketing and appropriate sowing and harvesting equipment, nonavailability of modern inputs at appropriate time, place and prices, harvest and postharvest losses, inefficiency of oil extracting plants and smuggling across the borders. In order to attain greater self-reliance, Pakistan need to exploit its unrealised yield potential and comparative advantage in the production of oil crops. In order to accomplish this effectively the cultivation of individual oil crops should be attached priority on the basis of their oil yields, climatic requirements and consistency with other national objectives. Price incentives through price support programme, effective marketing facilities and adequate supply of quality inputs at the most appropriate time and place should be ensured. The efforts of research, teaching and extension should be closely coordinated. The rapid development of livestock sector, effective plugging of international borders and continuing emphasis on population control measures can considerably dampen the growth of edible oil demand and import bills.