Sindh expands oilseed cultivation to cut oil imports

Mustard cultivation rises to 61,165 hectares as subsidies offered to farmers

KARACHI:

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has welcomed an increase in the cultivation of mustard, sesame and canola in the province, saying higher domestic production would help reduce reliance on imported edible oil and save foreign exchange.

In a statement, Sharjeel said the expansion of oilseed cultivation would also improve farmers' incomes and strengthen the local agricultural sector.

He said the area under mustard cultivation in Sindh had increased from 51,870 hectares to 61,165 hectares, while an increase had also been recorded in sesame and canola cultivation.

The minister said lower Sindh offered considerable potential for expanding mustard cultivation. He added that the provincial government was taking practical steps to provide financial assistance to farmers, reduce agricultural costs and boost local production.

Memon said support for growers, subsidies on fertilisers, the promotion of modern agricultural machinery and the efficient use of irrigation resources were among the government's priorities.

He said farmers were receiving financial assistance through the Benazir Hari Card, while subsidies for diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser were being provided under an additional Rs14.9 billion support package for growers.

The senior minister said the Sindh government would continue taking measures to support farmers and increase agricultural production.