ISLAMABAD, Nov 14: All Pakistan Solvent Extractor Association (APSEA) has fixed the minimum price of sunflower as Rs670 per 40 kg in respect of 2003-04 crop, which is Rs40 more than 2002-03.

While announcing this here on Friday, the Pakistan Oilseed Development Board (PODB) recalled that last year, the solvent industry had purchased sunflower at the rate of Rs750 to Rs800 per 40 kg. This year, too, the prices were expected to go beyond the new minimum price agreed to by APSEA.

The farmers would face no difficulty in disposing of their produce, PODB was sure.

The APSEA, in a meeting held recently under the chairmanship of PODB Chairman, Mr Abdul Rauf Khan, had also assured the PODB that its members would negotiate contract with growers to buy sunflower. The representatives of provincial governments and seed companies were also present in the meeting.

Under these contracts, it is envisaged, the solvent industry would purchase sunflower from the farmers at the prices not lower than the minimum price but would pay higher rates if these exceed in the market.

For this purpose, contract agreement forms would be available for farmers at the seed sale centres of PODB and private seed companies. Complaint centres would be opened at the time of harvesting which would take appropriate action to redress any complaints received from the growers.

The prospects of sunflower crop, PODB further expected, would be bright this year, keeping in view the prevailing international prices, timely and widespread rains, the availability of water and the fact that the growers’ marketing problems now “are things of the past”.

It was sanguine that the growers would take full advantage of the minimum price announced, the contract buying agreements and the generally favourable situation for oilseeds.