The government of Pakistan is in negotiations with the Federal Land Development Authority of Malaysia to establish industrial oil palm plantations in Sindh and Balochistan, reports the Daily Times.
Pakistani officials say that some 16,000 acres of land could be converted for oil palm plantations. The coastal area is considered suitable for oil palm due to cooler temperatures, but water availability and occasional extreme heart could be issues for growers.
According to the U.N., Pakistan does not presently grow any commercial oil palm, yet the country is the world’s third largest importer of the product. Officials say that establishing a domestic supply will help reduce dependence on imports.