Pakistan is aiming to secure a significant share of China’s $2.6 billion sorghum import market, with an ambitious goal of generating $500 million in exports over the next decade. This initiative was discussed during a seminar held in Sahiwal, where agricultural experts, farmers, and policymakers gathered to address the sharp decline in sorghum cultivation and identify growth opportunities.
According to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), sorghum farming in the country has decreased by 89% since 1994 — from 438,200 hectares to just 46,697 hectares. The decline comes despite China importing over 9 million tonnes of sorghum annually, primarily for livestock feed, baijiu production, and biofuels.
Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director-General of TDAP’s Agro Food Division, emphasized that reviving sorghum cultivation in arid regions such as Thal and Cholistan could turn the crop into a key export commodity. The recent downturn in US sorghum exports to China — which fell by 81.8% in January — presents a timely opening for Pakistan to enter the market.
Ghulam Qadir, Pakistan’s Trade & Investment Counsellor in Beijing, added that China’s diversification from American suppliers offers a strategic opportunity for Pakistani exporters. To capitalize on this, experts called for the adoption of high-yield hybrid seeds, mechanized farming techniques, and improved agricultural extension services to boost yields from the current 0.8 tonnes per hectare to the global average of 3.26 tonnes.
Dr. Qamar Shakil of the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute stressed the importance of meeting China’s demand for high-starch, low-tannin sorghum varieties. However, several obstacles remain, including the lack of a formal sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with Chinese customs, weak post-harvest infrastructure, and a shortage of export-grade sorghum varieties.
To overcome these barriers, stakeholders proposed forming technological partnerships with Chinese research institutes, upgrading the supply chain, and leveraging the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for transport and trade facilitation.
TDAP also announced plans to promote Pakistani sorghum at international trade fairs, highlighting its competitive pricing — estimated to be 30–40% lower than other global suppliers. With the right investments and strategies, sorghum could replicate the success of Pakistan’s sesame exports, potentially generating $1 billion in annual revenue within five years.
