Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad was established in 1975 and research activities on important Oilseeds Crops of Rapeseed, Mustard, Groundnut and Linseed were initiated. Later on in 1978, non-traditional Oilseed Crops of Sunflower, Soybean and Safflower were also included in the research programme. As an outcome new variety of above-mentioned oilseed crops were evolved which significantly increased provincial and national production of oilseeds. With the passage of time, using modern scientific techniques, new improved varieties on major oilseed crops were evolved along with package of production technology publishing it for the guidance of Agri. Extension staff and farmers.
During 1979 research section of groundnut was shifted to Barani Agriculture Research Institute Chakwal because of the fact that groundnut cultivation is carried out in the Pothowar plateau of Punjab where groundnut is mainly cultivated in the districts of Chakwal, Rawalpindi and Attock. As the cultivation of Rapeseed, Mustard, Sunflower and Sesame is pre-dominantly carried out in southern Punjab, in order to enhance research activities, Oilseed Research Stations were established at Khanpur District Rahim Yar Khan and in Bahawal Pur. Oilseed Research Institute Faisalabad in collaboration with its Research Stations evolved 32 new varieties of major Oilseed Crops.The detail of these varieties will be elaborated in the proceeding paragraphs.
Mission
Pakistan spends a huge amount to import edible oil to fulfill the national needs. This is an overdue burden on national exchequer as huge amounts of foreign reserves are consumed during the import of edible oil in ample quantities. Our mission is to make Pakistan self-sufficient in edible oil production to meet national requirements.
Objectives
- Development of Oilseed varieties/hybrids having:
- High yield potential
- Better oil quality
- Resistance against insect pests and diseases
- Good adaptability in changing climate
- Research based improvisation in the production technologies to enhance production.
- Promotion of oilseeds cultivation in the province through dissemination of technical information by print and electronic media to the farming as well as scientific community.
- Development of management strategies against biotic and abiotic stresses.
- Finding scientific solutions for the problems faced by growers.