Pakistan becomes 3rd largest sesame exporter

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has become the world’s third-largest exporter of sesame, achieving annual exports exceeding $1 billion, the government announced Thursday.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain lauded sesame as a high-value cash crop with vast export potential during an international sesame investment conference here Thursday.

“Sesame’s success highlights its role as a transformative crop for Pakistan’s economy,” Hussain said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to further boosting production and exploring global markets for the crop.

He highlighted Pakistan’s remarkable progress in sesame production over the past five years, noting a 455 percent increase that brought annual production to 1.119 million tons. Export volumes also soared by 327 per cent, reaching 0.760 million tons annually, while the export value climbed by 366 per cent to $1.073 billion per year, positioning Pakistan as the world’s third-largest sesame exporter.

Hussain credited the transformation of sesame from a neglected crop into a vital contributor to the economy to its inclusion in the National Oilseeds Enhancement Program (NOEP). “This success is the result of collaboration between the federal ministry and provincial agriculture departments,” he remarked.

The minister urged stakeholders to focus on improving processing technology, adding value to sesame products, and exploring new international markets. He also called on the Ministry of Commerce to play a pivotal role in promoting Pakistani sesame products globally.

“Increasing sesame production will not only reduce edible oil imports but also significantly enhance the agricultural sector’s contribution to the economy,” he stated, emphasizing the crop’s strategic importance in bolstering Pakistan’s export portfolio.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkiye agreed to strengthen agricultural cooperation, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and technology transfer under the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF).

Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain held talks with the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan here Thursday, emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaboration in agriculture.

Key agreements include joint ventures in agricultural mechanization, aquaculture breeding and advanced irrigation systems. Both sides committed to improving trade through adherence to international Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards and facilitating Turkish investment in Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors.

Minister Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s ability to supply quality agricultural products, including rice, wheat, mangoes, dry fruits and livestock products to the Turkish market. The Turkish delegation acknowledged the potential for increased economic ties and expressed interest in expanding cooperation.

“Pakistan is ready to not only expand exports but also create long-term partnerships with Turkiye to boost agricultural productivity and economic opportunities for both nations,” Hussain said after the meeting.

The two countries agreed to develop an actionable plan to achieve these objectives, focusing on technology transfer, disease control and improved agricultural trade.