Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in the agricultural sector by becoming the third-largest exporter of sesame globally, with annual exports surpassing $1 billion. This marks an impressive 366% increase in export value over the past five years.
This extraordinary growth is fueled by a 455% surge in domestic sesame production, which now stands at 1.119 million tons annually. The National Oilseeds Enhancement Program (NOEP) played a pivotal role in this success, supported by close coordination between federal and provincial agriculture departments.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, underscored the transformation of sesame from an overlooked crop to a key contributor to the national economy. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to expanding both production and access to international markets.
Looking forward, the minister highlighted the need to enhance processing technologies to increase the value of sesame products and to actively pursue opportunities in new global markets. He also urged the Ministry of Commerce to intensify efforts in promoting Pakistani sesame worldwide.
The exponential growth in sesame exports is expected to make a significant contribution to Pakistan’s economy by generating foreign exchange and reducing reliance on imported edible oils. With these advancements, sesame is poised to become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s agricultural exports.
