PM's aide urges edible oil industry to adopt sustainable practices

January 23, 2025 (MLN): To support Pakistan's agriculture and reduce emissions, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister's Coordinator for Climate Change, urged the edible oil industry to adopt environmentally sustainable practices.

This discussion took place during a meeting with a six-member delegation from the edible oil industry, led by Seatrade Group CEO Omar Najib Balagamwala.

The Prime Minister’s aide emphasized the importance of sustainable sourcing, energy efficiency, waste management, and circular economy practices as essential steps toward fostering a cleaner environment.

Although comprehensive data on waste generated by the oil and ghee industry is lacking, Alam pointed out that the sector generates significant amounts of solid, liquid, and packaging waste.

Romina Khurshid Alam called for strengthened collaboration between government bodies and industry stakeholders to achieve climate resilience and sustainability objectives.

She underscored the critical need to reduce emissions in order to support Pakistan’s agricultural and economic stability.

“These industries are crucial to our national economy, but they must also shoulder the responsibility of minimizing their environmental footprint,” Alam said.

She stressed that adopting eco-friendly practices is key to ensuring growth does not come at the expense of the environment, in alignment with the government's climate goals.

Furthermore, Alam called for targeted research into greenhouse gas emissions specific to the edible oil industry, urging environmental organizations to conduct studies that would provide more accurate data to support the country’s climate goals.

Omar Najib Balagamwala shared that the edible oil industry faces several challenges, including shipment issues and technical barriers to importing oilseeds.

Romina Khurshid assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to facilitating the industry and urged industry leaders to explore sustainable production alternatives.

"Pakistan’s climate strategy must address the environmental repercussions of food production,” Alam emphasized, advocating for responsible sourcing of raw materials, cleaner production techniques, and waste reduction efforts.

Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Rana Ahmad Atiq Anwar, stressed the importance of nurturing the edible oil industry to enhance both economic growth and sustainability.

"We are working to facilitate the industry," he stated, emphasizing the government’s efforts to boost local production and reduce the country's reliance on imports, which currently account for 90% of Pakistan's edible oil consumption.

Federal Secretary for Climate Change Ministry, Aisha Humera Moriani, reinforced the government's commitment to supporting the development of the edible oil sector.

She highlighted the industry's potential to contribute significantly to the economy while addressing environmental challenges.

Aisha Moriani also called on stakeholders to focus on capacity building, which she believes is vital for improving productivity and sustainability within the sector.

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