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ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP): Pakistan hopes to cut its soybean import bill by up to 50 percent within the next five years as local scientists develop new heat-tolerant, climate-smart soybean varieties capable of thriving in Punjab’s hot conditions.
With commercial-scale cultivation of these high-yield varieties, the country aims to achieve local production of up to three million tons, a milestone that could transform its edible oil and poultry feed sectors.
Dr Hafiz Saad Bin Mustafa, Principal Scientist at the Oilseed Research Institute (ORI) Faisalabad, which works under the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), told Wealth Pakistan that this success represents nearly four decades of dedicated research. “It has taken consistent effort since the 1980s to adapt soybean to Punjab’s climate. We have finally achieved what was once considered impossible,” he said.
The ORI has so far developed three soybean varieties; Super Soybean, AARI Soybean, and Faisal Soybean — while four more lines are under development to expand adaptability across different regions. These varieties have shown promising results in field trials across Sahiwal, Okara, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, and Sargodha.
Dr. Saad explained that soybean, which contains about 40 percent protein and 20 percent edible oil, can significantly reduce Pakistan’s import dependence in both poultry feed and edible oil sectors. “Local production can help meet domestic demand and support feed, livestock, and food industries,” he added.
Pakistan currently imports large quantities of soybean meal and oil, costing millions of dollars in foreign exchange every year. According to Dr. Saad, widespread adoption of the new varieties could halve the import bill within five years and establish a stable domestic supply chain. “With proper policy support and investment, local production could reach three million tons by 2030,” he said.
He also noted that these new soybean lines are non-GMO, making them acceptable in international markets that restrict genetically modified crops. “This not only ensures self-reliance but also creates export potential for Pakistani soybean,” he added.
Dr. Saad suggested that the government and private sector — particularly poultry feed manufacturers — collaborate through contract farming and buy-back models to encourage farmers.
Experts and stakeholders have welcomed the scientific progress but emphasized the need for a comprehensive national soybean policy to sustain growth.
Agriculture economist Ebadur Rehman Khan from Farmers Associates Pakistan urged careful land-use planning. “Soybean should not replace wheat or maize,” he told Wealth Pakistan. “The government should promote its cultivation on fallow or underutilized lands to avoid impacting staple food crops.”
Former Chairman of the Pakistan Poultry Association Dr. Abdul Karim Bhatti told Wealth Pakistan that stable local supply of soybean meal could strengthen the poultry industry. “Soybean-based feed offers higher protein content and lower costs, which will improve poultry productivity and stabilize prices,” he noted.