World Grain - May 2012 - 28

COUNTRYFOCUS

under diverse climatic conditions. Unlike other South and South Asian countries, rice is not considered a staple crop in Pakistan.” “Traditionally about 45% of the crop is used for local consumption, with the balance exported,” it said. “Pakistanis, in general, prefer the higher priced Basmati rice which is mainly consumed by the more afﬂuent. IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) and other varieties are largely consumed by the less afﬂuent due to the price differential.” OILSEEDS NEGLECTED In a separate report, the attaché explained how oilseeds have been left behind as the government has made wheat a priority. “In an attempt to ensure food security, Pakistan’s agriculture policy is largely focused on the enhancement of wheat production,” it said. “Oilseed production typically receives less atten-

tion compared to crops like wheat, rice, cotton and sugarcane.” The Pakistan Oilseed Development Board was established in 1995 under federal control. But in 2011 its functions were delegated to the provinces. “So, at present, there is no central authority to promote domestic oilseeds and to provide a sound regulatory and policy framework to this sector,” the report said. “There is no support price mechanism for oilseeds and the Government of Pakistan does not procure oilseeds. The lack of availability of quality seed, poor coordination among research organizations, lack of suitable machinery for planting, harvesting and threshing operations, improper dissemination of site-speciﬁc production technologies and lack of research-based crop management are some of the major constraints being faced by the oilseed sector. “Given the poor quality of local oilseeds and logistical hurdles of transport-

ing oilseeds to crushing facilities, the domestic crushing industry has focused more on importing quality oilseeds rather than providing incentives to local growers for increased domestic production.” It forecast 2012-13 vegetable oil imports at a record 2.3 million tonnes, 4% up on the previous year. “Nearly 73% of Pakistan’s domestic consumption of vegetable oil is met through imports, 8% of which is comprised of palm oil,” it said. 2012-13 oilseed production is forecast at a record 5.8 million tonnes, up 8% from the estimated 5.7 million harvested the year before. Imports of oilseeds are forecast at 1 million tonnes (80% rapeseed and 19% sunﬂower seed).
Chris Lyddon is World Grain’s European editor. He may be contacted at: chris.lyddon@ntlworld.com.
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