With over 80% of exports to China, Pakistan grows to 5th position among major sesame exporting nations

Islamabad: With over 80% of exports to China, Pakistan has grown to 5th position among major sesame exporting nations, Pakistani Ministry of National Food Security and Research announced.

Starting at a modest US $89.320 million in 2020, the nation’s sesame exports surged exponentially, reaching an astounding US $407 million in 2023, the ministry said.

“This unprecedented growth catapulted Pakistan to the 5th position among major sesame exporting nations, with over 80% of exports being absorbed by China. The pivotal role played by the M/O National Food Security and Research through PSDP (Public Sector Development Programme) funded project “NOEP” in this monumental transformation is evident, significantly augmenting sesame production and exports in just four years,” the announcement added.

Through a collaborative effort with provincial governments, this initiative has redefined the nation’s sesame production landscape, paving the way for unparalleled growth and export potential, the ministry mentioned.

From its historical status as a minor crop relegated to marginal lands, sesame has emerged as a pivotal cash crop within Pakistan’s agricultural portfolio. Despite historical neglect, recent years have witnessed a monumental transformation in sesame production, it elaborated.

Collaborating with provincial Agriculture departments in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan has been instrumental. Sesame cultivation, once confined to limited districts across these provinces, expanded from 18,000 to 135,600 hectares between 1948 and 2019, accompanied by a production increase from 6,000 to 69,600 tons during the same period, it highlighted.

During the last four years 2019-24 under NOEP, area of sesame has increased from 139,400 to 399,493 hectares showing an increase of 187%. Notably, Punjab the leading province, contributing 95% of sesame production, followed by Sindh (2.1%) and Balochistan (2.2%). The average yield of sesame experienced a substantial increase (69%) rising from 442 to 750 kg/ha within the NOEP’s tenure, the ministry said.

The ministry stated: “Balochistan, also boasting higher average yields due to favorable climatic conditions, signifies untapped potential for further expansion in the region. The NOEP’s strategic interventions have not only revolutionized sesame farming but have also heralded a new era of agricultural prosperity in Pakistan. This success story elevates the status of farmers and positions sesame as a key driver of economic growth and food security, setting a benchmark for sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.”