Karachi:
Indonesian diplomats and Pakistani scientists have requested that local palm cultivation oil impulse oil to reduce the great dependence of the imported edible oil country.
With Pakistan that currently imports 92% of edible oil, which costs approximately $ 4-5 billion annually, experts emphasized that the cultivation of at least 60,000 acres with oil palm could attract an investment of $ 30 million and significantly reduce the import invoice.
A high -level Indonesian delegation, led by the Consul Interim General Teguh Wiwiek and the consul for economic affairs, Dr. Ahmad Syofyan, visited the Tandojam of the Agriculture University of Sindh (SAU) to explore the roads for joint research and technical collaboration.
The delegation reviewed the progress in the experimental plantation under the Palm Oil Sau-Dalda pilot project in the University’s experimental farm of the University and participated in discussions with Vice Chancellor Sau Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal and other members of the Faculty.
Altaf Ali Siyal said that the coastal regions of Pakistan, including Sindh and Baluchistan, possessed ideal climatic conditions for the cultivation of the oil palm. However, to further expand the scope, SAU is conducting research in collaboration with Malaysia and other international partners to develop suitable oil palm varieties for arid regions.
“The university is actively dedicated to research in the experimental farms Latif and Kathore, near Karachi, in collaboration with several organizations to evaluate the commercial viability of the oil palm,” he said.
Experts agreed that strong cooperation with Indonesia, the world’s palm oil producer, could help Pakistan adopt modern agronomic practices and improve domestic production of edible oil.
Speaking at the meeting, the Consul of Economic Affairs, Dr. Ahmad Syofyan, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to support the Pakistan oil palm sector through research associations, student scholarships, exchange and technical assistance programs.
