Self-sufficiency in edible oil production

Bangladesh has made commendable progress over the past 40 years in achieving food security. We have gained significant success in agriculture and become self-sufficient in rice production. However, performance has not been so good in case of other crops, particularly oilseeds. The oilseed part of agriculture has been an area of serious concern for us. Our edible oil industry continues to depend heavily on imported oil. More than 95 per cent of the local demand is met through imports.
In the face of this grim situation, we should aim to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oilseeds. Bangladesh has a number of coastal areas, which are suitable for palm oilseed cultivation. If we plant palm trees in these areas, it will help us fight natural calamities like cyclones and storm surges as well as produce palm oil for us. If implemented, it will meet the local demand for vegetable oil and may even export it.
Palm oil is cheap and very suitable for human consumption. Its yield per hectare is much higher than any other edible vegetable oil. Except for the months of December and January, the tropical climate of Bangladesh is favourable for palm oil production throughout the year. The coastal areas of the country are particularly suitable for palm trees. The plants may also save people from lightning. A project of palm tree plantation can make Bangladesh self-sufficient in edible oil production within five to six years.

Md Ashraf Hossain,
120 Middle Bashabo, Dhaka-1214,
mah120cb@yahoo.com