Pakistan's Castor sector gets lift from Chinese hybrid seeds

August 7, 2025 (MLN): A Chinese not-for-profit organization has backed efforts to scale up castor cultivation in Pakistan by supplying high-quality hybrid seeds that could double yields from 50 to 100 maunds per acre.

This was discussed during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain and the International Multi Group of Companies led by its Chairman Amjad Rashid to explore collaborative ventures in Pakistan’s agricultural secto

Castor has gained traction as a lucrative alternative to traditional crops with local market prices reaching Rs7,000 per 40 kg significantly higher than most conventional produce.

The visiting company also expressed readiness to sign formal agreements with local farmers committing to purchase all harvested castor at pre-agreed terms to ensure financial security for growers.

The meeting focused on the potential of diversifying crops with a particular emphasis on the promotion of castor cultivation which holds significant promise for both economic growth and export development.

The delegation offered proposals for the introduction of multiple high-value crops in Pakistan but castor emerged as the most viable and economically attractive option. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain underlined the strategic importance of castor, describing it as a low-input, high-yield crop ideally suited for Pakistan’s arid and semi-arid regions.

He stated that castor can be grown in barren areas where traditional crops struggle, making it an ideal solution for land optimization and income generation for farmers.

The Ministry of National Food Security and Research will actively support this initiative by launching awareness campaigns and facilitating seed distribution in collaboration with provincial agriculture departments.

The Minister said that Pakistan has an opportunity to emerge as a competitive player in the global castor oil market, which has high demand in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, lubricant, and biofuel industries.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting non-traditional, high-value crops as part of its broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, boost exports, and improve farmer livelihoods.

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to initiate pilot projects, finalize farmer contracts, and jointly work on developing a sustainable and export-oriented castor value chain in Pakistan.

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