SAU awards PhD for research aimed at reducing edible oil imports

HYDERABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jul, 2026) A doctoral researcher at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam has been awarded a PhD degree after successfully completing research that offers practical solutions to improve sunflower productivity, enhance edible oil quality and reduce Pakistan's dependence on imported edible oil.

The Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) of Sindh Agriculture University approved the award of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree to Mr. Deepak Raj Goswami, a scholar from the Faculty of Crop Production, Department of Agronomy, during a meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal. The board unanimously approved the degree after confirming that all academic, research and examination requirements had been fulfilled.

Goswami completed his doctoral research titled "Optimization of Plant Density and Balanced Nutrient Management for Enhancing Seed Yield, Oil Quality and Iron Biofortification in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)".

The study addresses one of Pakistan's major agricultural and economic challenges — the country's heavy reliance on imported edible oil.

According to the research, Pakistan currently imports nearly 70 to 80 percent of its edible oil requirements, resulting in the expenditure of billions of rupees in foreign exchange each year. The findings suggest that adopting improved agronomic practices for sunflower cultivation could substantially increase domestic edible oil production and reduce import dependence.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

Based on two years of field experiments, the research evaluated different planting methods, plant population densities, row orientations and balanced nutrient management strategies. The findings demonstrated that optimum plant density, scientific crop establishment techniques and balanced fertilizer application significantly improve seed yield, oil quality and iron enrichment in sunflowers.

The study also highlights the importance of iron biofortification in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron-deficiency anaemia, which remains a major public health concern among women and children in Pakistan. According to the researcher, increasing the iron content of sunflowers through improved nutrient management could contribute to producing more nutritious edible oil and enhancing food security.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal congratulated Mr. Deepak Raj Goswami and his supervisory team, saying that applied agricultural research plays a vital role in strengthening Pakistan's agriculture sector, ensuring food security and supporting the national economy.

The research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Muhammad Nawaz Kandhro, Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy. The supervisory committee also included Dr. Mahmooda Buriro, Dr. Ghulam Murtaza Jamro and Dr. Siraj Ahmed Channa.