Dissemination of Sunflower Hybrids in Pakistan

Pakistan has been constantly and recurrently deficient in edible oil production. At present, about 70% of the domestic needs are met through imports. Since, 1970s its import amplified at the rate of 12.5% annually and the tendency will further not only persist but will also get deteriorate with increase in population. However, efforts have been made to enhance its local production. The area under oilseed crops during 1990-91 was 473,000 ha with the production of 3650,000 tones, which was 748,000 ha producing 4767,000 tones in 2008-09. Sunflower with high oil yield per unit area have emerged major oilseed crop and have the potential to reduce the gap between production and utilization of edible oil.