Scientists support emergency oil culture

Karachi:

Indonesian diplomats and Pakistani scientists urgently called for the strengthening of local palm cultivation to reduce the country’s great dependence on imported edible oil.

With Pakistan currently importing 92% of edible oil, costing about $ 4-5 billion a year, experts stressed that the cultivation of at least 60,000 acres of diesel engine could attract an investment of $ 30 million.

An Indonesian high -level delegation, led by Consul General Teguh Wiwiek and the Consul for Dr Ahmad Syofyan financial affairs, visited the University of Georgia Sindh (SAU) Tandojam to investigate joint research and technical cooperation.

The delegation reviewed the progress of the experimental plantation under the Sau-Dalda Oil Palm pilot program on the University’s Latif Experimental Farm and was discussed with discussions with Professor SAU Vice President Dr Altaf Ali Siyal and other faculty members.

Altaf Ali Siyal said that the coastal areas of Pakistan, including Sindh and Balochistan, had ideal climatic conditions for the cultivation of palm of oil. However, in order to further extend the scope, SAU is conducting research in collaboration with Malaysia and other international partners for the development of oil varieties that fit for barren areas.

“The university is actively involved in research into Latif Experimental Operations and Kathore, near Karachi, in collaboration with various organizations to evaluate the commercial feasibility of the oil palm,” he said.

Experts agreed that strong cooperation with Indonesia, the world’s leading palm oil producer, could help Pakistan adopt modern agronomic practices and enhance domestic oil production.

Speaking at the meeting, the Consul for financial cases Dr. Ahmad Syofyan confirmed Indonesia’s commitment to support Pakistan’s oil sector through research corporate relationships, student scholarships, exchange and technical assistance programs.