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Let the sunflower
shine
As a consequence of the disparity between local production and
Pakistan’s domestic requirements, we import edible oil worth
over 3.5 billion rupees.
This makes edible oil the second largest import after
petroleum products. Consequently, Pakistan should be making
efforts to augment local oilseed production.
Among oilseed crops ,sunflower cultivation can help bridge he
gap between production and demand ,especially as sunflowers
can be grown across the country .
At present ,the local production of sunflower is enough to
meet 25% of demand. The balance is met through imported oil
seeds, which are crushed locally.
In the Punjab sowing of sunflower begins end of January and
ends mid March .In sindh , sowing starts and ends a month
earlier . Sunflower follows the harvesting of sugarcane,
potatoes and cotton and wheat crop act ads its prime
competitor in term of space.
Sunflower cultivation is a viable option. Research shows that
the crop’s yield is better compared to wheat if sunflowers are
sown after the 20th of November .yet sunflower cultivation
remains relatively unpopular, mainly due to the difficulties
faced by growers in selling their produce.
To boost food production and transform sunflower cultivation
into a lucrative source of income for farmers ,solvent
manufactures this year took the initiative of announcing the
produce price (RS 560 per maund) before the start of the
season .In the past, produce price remained unannounced,
making farmers apprehensive about sowing sunflowers. This year
the situation will be better because of the announcement of
support price.
The writer is Marketing
Services manger, ICI, Agro chemical and seeds
courtesy Daily The Dawn 27
January, 2002
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Pakissan.com;
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