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Pakistan has ascended to the position of the world’s third-largest sesame exporter, with annual exports surpassing $1 billion, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, announced on Thursday.
The country has experienced an extraordinary 455% increase in sesame production over the past five years, with an annual production of 1.119 million tonnes. Export revenue has increased by 366% to $1.073 billion annually, while export volumes have increased by 327% to 0.760 million tonnes.
Minister Hussain attributed the crop’s success to the National Oilseeds Enhancement Program (NOEP) and the collaborative efforts of the federal and provincial agriculture departments. He emphasized the transformative role of sesame in Pakistan’s economy and urged for additional progress in the exploration of global markets, product value addition, and processing technology.
In a related development, Pakistan and Turkey have reached an agreement to enhance agricultural cooperation following the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF). Both nations pledged to enhance trade by promoting Turkish investment in Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors and adhering to international Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards. To enhance productivity and economic opportunities, the two nations intend to establish a practical strategy that emphasizes technology transfer, disease control, and improved agricultural trade.
