PALMOILMAGAZINE, TANDOJAM – Indonesian diplomats and Pakistani scientists emphasize the need to enhance local palm oil cultivation to reduce Pakistan’s heavy reliance on vegetable oil imports.
Currently, Pakistan imports 92% of its vegetable oil needs, costing approximately USD 4-5 billion annually. Experts highlight that by cultivating at least 60,000 hectares of oil palm, the country could attract investments worth USD 30 million and significantly lower its import burden.
A high-level Indonesian delegation, led by Acting Consul General Teguh Wiwiek and Economic Affairs Consul Dr. Ahmad Syofyan, visited Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam to explore joint research opportunities and technical collaboration. The delegation reviewed the progress of the SAU-DALDA Palm Oil Pilot Project at Latif Experimental Farm and held discussions with SAU Vice Chancellor Prof. Altaf Ali Siyal and senior faculty members.
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The Indonesian delegation also included Dewanto Priyokusumo, Adi Pranajaya, Renaldi Putra, and Barkha Salman from Indonesia’s economic team.
During the meeting, Prof. Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted that Pakistan’s coastal regions, including Sindh and Balochistan, have favorable climatic conditions for oil palm cultivation. However, to further expand the sector, SAU is conducting joint research with Malaysia and other international partners to develop palm oil varieties suitable for arid regions.
“The university is actively engaged in research at Latif Experimental Farms and in Kathore, near Karachi, in collaboration with various organizations to assess the commercial viability of palm oil in Pakistan,” said Dr. Siyal, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Business Recorder on Tuesday (March 25, 2025).
Experts agree that close cooperation with Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, could help Pakistan adopt modern agronomic practices and boost domestic vegetable oil production.
During the discussion, Dr. Ahmad Syofyan reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s palm oil sector through research partnerships, student scholarships, exchange programs, and technical assistance. He also expressed Indonesia’s interest in collaborating with SAU on infrastructure development, commercial nurseries, pilot oil extraction units, and industry linkages to enhance local production.
Membership Offer in CPOPC
As a strategic move, Indonesia has invited Pakistan to join the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), a global forum that could strengthen Pakistan’s position in the international palm oil trade. Membership in CPOPC would facilitate technology transfer, enhance industrial relations, and align Pakistan’s regulations with global standards.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continued collaboration, aiming to make Pakistan more self-sufficient in vegetable oil production and reduce its reliance on imports. (P2)
