Senators back retaining oilseed dept

ISLAMABAD:

The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security on Wednesday voiced concern over Pakistan's growing dependence on imported edible oil, as officials informed lawmakers that the government was reconsidering its earlier decision to abolish the Pakistan Oilseed Department in view of its strategic importance.

The committee, chaired by Senator Masroor Ahsan, was told that the government had decided to wind up the Pakistan Oilseed Department from January 1, 2025, on the grounds that agriculture is a provincial subject. However, the Food Security secretary said a summary had now been forwarded to the cabinet recommending that the department be retained, considering the importance of oilseed production.

Opening the discussion, Senator Ahsan described oilseeds as a vital crop and stressed that Pakistan should reduce its dependence on imports. He said annual per-capita consumption of ghee and edible oil in the country stood at 17 kilograms.

Briefing the committee, Pakistan Oilseed Department Managing Director Basharat Hussain Shah said that sunflower cultivation covered 1.1 million acres in 2011 but had declined sharply to 171,000 acres after agriculture was devolved to the provinces.

The secretary informed the committee that the Food Security Ministry was currently implementing a national programme to increase oilseed production, while the department was also playing an important role in promoting olive cultivation. He added that funds had been allocated for both initiatives, which had produced encouraging results in Pothohar, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Senator Shahadat Awan criticised ministry officials for their inadequate preparation for the meeting, although the secretary defended the Pakistan Oilseed Department managing director, saying he had come fully prepared.

During the discussion, Senator Masroor Ahsan remarked that Italy had provided assistance for the promotion of olives and Malaysia had extended support for palm oil, but claimed that the assistance had disappeared.

Senator Awan also said the federal minister had admitted during the committee meeting that subordinate departments lacked funds and that little work was being carried out. He further said the minister had disclosed that the secretary had written eight letters without receiving any response, adding that such a situation amounted to a serious allegation that the provinces were not cooperating.

Responding to the criticism, the secretary maintained that the federal government was fully playing its role in promoting the country's oilseed sector.