Zhou claimed that HC-021C has a shorter growth period than other Brassica napus canola varieties currently grown in Pakistan, making it better suited to sowing practices of farmers.
Pakistan is experiencing a boom in the canola variety HC-021C from a Chinese seed company. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s (CPEC) agriculture cooperation will boost Pakistan’s production of edible oils while conserving its foreign exchange reserves.
The project will boost the nation’s unit output and lower import costs, according to Zhou Xusheng, Director of International Department at Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Seed Company, in an interview with Gwadar Pro. He continued, “Mills can get a better milling yield, and consumers can get nutritious edible oil.”
Zhou claimed that HC-021C has a shorter growth period than other Brassica napus canola varieties currently grown in Pakistan, making it better suited to the sowing practices of local farmers.
Additionally, it has been demonstrated that Chinese canola variety, HC-021C exhibits greater disease resistance and is appropriate for high density planting. Due to these excellent qualities, HC-021C has a higher yield per unit, about 5% higher than other local varieties.
Zhou emphasised the advantages of HC-021C in Pakistan by stating that the Punjab government offers a Rs. 5000 package for HC-021C due to its improved oil rapeseed colour. Farmers can earn Rs 500 or 40 kg more per hectare from HC-021C than they can from raya or mustard.
According to Ayub’s research, HC-021C can achieve nutritional values of 38% or higher on oil content (which is 10% higher than raya or mustard) and over 66% on oleic acid.
Additionally, the erucic acid content of HC-021C is 0.7% rather than the 2% international standard, adding more value during the subsequent processing. Future investments in new domestic breeding varieties will be made by Qingfa and its Pakistani partner, Certus Seeds.
“We intend to introduce Chinese oil press technology and equipment in order to establish an industrial chain in Pakistan. Along with the downstream supply chain, we also hope to establish contract farming of fine varieties to supply local oil press mills with premium rapeseeds. Whole chains will profit from this mode,” Zhou continued.
Vegetable oil is in high demand in Pakistan. According to estimates, each resident uses 18 kilogrammes of oil annually, amounting to a consumption of about 5 million tons. One of the most common foods imported into Pakistan is edible oil.
Between 2021 and 2022, Pakistan imported edible oil worth about 3.6 billion dollars, accounting for 89% of Pakistan’s domestic demand. Pakistan imports palm oil, which accounts for the largest share of all edible oils (94%). Palm oil produced locally only accounts for 11% of the market.
While Chinese canola variety, HC-021C was later in 2019 approved by the Pakistani government, Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Seed Company has collaborated with Certus Seeds Pakistan since 2009 for canola research and breeding in Pakistan.
The business also oversees technical assistance and breeding programs for nearby farmers. The company organizes field days for farmers every March and gives them cultivation technology for higher yield.