Faiza Tehseen

Pakistan needs to tap the potential of nutrient-rich wheat germ oil by setting up processing plants, which will not only enhance national health and uplift the agriculture sector but also pave the way for another industry.

The processing units will also help generate a new value chain and large and small-scale businesses besides increasing rural incomes. In an interview with WealthPK, Chief Scientist at the Wheat Research Institute Dr. Javed said wheat germ oil is a natural oil extracted from the germ or embryo of wheat kernels usually making up two to three percent weight of the whole-grain wheat. In its total content, about 8 to 14 percent may yield. It can be extracted through the simple mechanical pressing, while for heavy extraction and large supplies, super-critical extraction is performed. It is expensive but more result-oriented and sophisticated. Wheat germ oil is also called the by-product of wheat milling. Wheat milling is a process through which wheat grains are graded into three constituents, i.e., germ, bran, and endosperm. The extraction of oil from it can make the waste a source of income generation. It is nutritious and rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. All these are important nutrients for the skin, immune system, and cardiovascular health. The international wheat germ oil market is projected to reach US$1,026 million at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6% by the year 2032 from US$601 million in 2022.

Wheat germ oil is widely used as a nutritive additive in livestock feed production, pharmaceutical, culinary, and cosmetic industries worldwide. China, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, India, Spain, the United States, Belgium, and Singapore are the largest exporters of wheatgerm oil worldwide. Pakistan can be one of them by popularizing its value and market trends among its farmers. Necessary training can also be provided to farmers for its extraction.   Beyond the traditional production of flour, semolina, and other in-kind stuff, wheat germ oil extraction is also important to popularize among the farming community of the country. It is more beneficial and profit-oriented than the other traditional products derived from wheat. It is globally used to improve the quality of meat and dairy products. “To popularize the manufacturing of non-traditional products like wheat germ oil, the Government of Pakistan should play an active role in market hunting at the international level. Besides, necessary training related to value addition, quality processing, and packaging for farm products should also be planned and operationalized on a war-footing. It will not only help boost the agriculture sector but also make it more sustainable,” Dr Javed said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk