Pakistan is Now the Third-Largest Sesame Exporter in the World

Pakistan has emerged as the third-largest sesame exporter globally after reporting annual exports exceeding $1 billion, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain announced on Thursday. The minister said the sector saw a remarkable 455 percent growth in five years, raising output to 1.119 million tons annually. Export volumes surged by 327 percent to 0.760 million tons, while revenue climbed by 366 percent to $1.073 billion. The minister attributed this success to the crop’s inclusion in the National Oilseeds Enhancement Program (NOEP). He called for further advancements in processing technology, product value addition, and global market exploration. Separately, Pakistan and Turkiye agreed to bolster agricultural cooperation under the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF). Both sides committed to improving trade through adherence to international Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards and fostering Turkish investment in Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors. The two countries agreed to develop an actionable plan focusing on technology transfer, disease control, and enhanced agricultural trade to expand economic opportunities and productivity.