Regulatory discrepancy challenges soybean import

Edible oil industry seeks govt support as conflicting guidelines from DPP, EPA cause concerns

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ISLAMABAD:

The edible oil industry is facing challenges in importing 10 tonnes of soybean due to conflicting guidelines issued by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The government has permitted the edible oil industry to import 10 tonnes of soybean from the United States and Brazil. However, sources revealed that the EPA has issued guidelines allowing importers to bring in soybean over a ten-month period without restrictions, while the DPP requires the entire quantity to be imported within three months in a single shipment.

This discrepancy has prompted the edible oil industry to raise the issue with the Prime Minister's Coordinator for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, during a meeting held on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Parliamentary Secretary Rana Ahmad Atiq Anwar, Federal Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani, senior officials from the Ministry of Climate Change, and Member of the National Assembly Riazul Haq.

During discussions with a six-member delegation from the edible oil industry, led by Seatrade Group CEO Omar Najib Balagamwala, the prime minister's aide emphasised the need for sustainable sourcing, energy efficiency, waste management, and circular economy practices to foster a cleaner environment.

Industry representatives noted that edible oil prices had dropped following the government's decision to allow soybean imports. They also requested permission to import canola from the United States and Canada.

Alam stressed the importance of strengthened collaboration between government bodies and industry stakeholders to achieve climate resilience and sustainability goals. She highlighted the critical need to reduce emissions to support Pakistan's agricultural and economic stability.

"These industries are crucial to our national economy, but they must also shoulder the responsibility of minimising their environmental footprint to align with the government's climate goals," Alam said, stressing that adopting eco-friendly practices is key to ensuring that growth does not come at the cost of the environment.

The Seatrade Group CEO outlined challenges faced by the edible oil industry, including shipment delays and technical barriers to importing oilseeds. Alam assured the delegation of the government's commitment to facilitating the industry while urging leaders to explore sustainable production alternatives.

"Pakistan's climate strategy must address the environmental repercussions of food production," Alam emphasised, advocating for responsible sourcing of raw materials, cleaner production techniques, and waste reduction efforts.

Although comprehensive data on waste generated by the oil and ghee industry is lacking, Alam pointed out that the sector produces significant amounts of solid, liquid, and packaging waste. She called for the implementation of proper waste management and waste-to-value strategies to address these issues.

Furthermore, Alam urged environmental organisations to conduct targeted research on greenhouse gas emissions specific to the edible oil industry, highlighting the importance of accurate data to support Pakistan's climate goals.

Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Rana Ahmad Atiq Anwar, stressed the need to nurture the edible oil industry to enhance both economic growth and sustainability. "We are working to facilitate the industry," he stated, underscoring the government's efforts to boost local production and reduce the country's reliance on imports, which currently account for 90% of Pakistan's edible oil consumption.

Federal Secretary for Climate Change, Aisha Humera Moriani, reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the development of the edible oil sector. She highlighted its potential to significantly contribute to the economy while addressing environmental challenges. Moriani also called on stakeholders to prioritise capacity building, which she believes is essential for improving productivity and sustainability within the sector.