Dire need to boost the oilseed cultivation in Pakistan

Total consumption of edible oil in Pakistan is about 5 million tonnes while, unfortunately only 12% is produced locally. Remaining portion is imported to fulfil the need of the country by spending the heavy amount of import bill. Imported oil has also very low oil quality and that is the reason cardiovascular diseases are very common these days. So, there is urgent need to increase the area under the cultivation of oilseed crops. There are mainly two types of oilseeds; Conventional and non-conventional crops. Among the non-conventional crops sunflower and soybean has great potential to fulfil the gap between the consumption and production. Both crops can be grown in spring and autumn seasons in one year. These are fit in cropping pattern very beautifully and maximum benefit can be get from these. Brassica and sesame are non-conventional crops and can be grown with very low effort. Brassica oil can be used for edible purpose after very minimum treatment. Sesame seed is full for oil but unfortunately, it is not being used for the oil extraction in our country. Very little awareness can boost the oilseed cultivation and make our country self sufficient in case of oil production.