USSEC, in collaboration with the All Pakistan Solvent Extractors Association (APSEA), conducted the first U.S soy processing advisory/ seminar on October 6 in Karachi, Pakistan.
More than 60 participants comprised of production staff, owners, decision makers and government officials benefited from technical presentations made by Greg Lofstedt, a senior soy processing consultant, formerly with Cargill; and Mian Riaz, Director, Research Center, Texas A&M. USSEC Country Representative – Pakistan R.S.N. Janjua coordinated these efforts. Participants represented about 25 solvent extraction plants from Karachi, Hyderabad, Multan, and Lahore with a total daily installed capacity of 10,000 metric tons (MT).
Mr. Lofstedt discussed “Step by Step Improvements in Soybean Processing” and updated the audience about “World Class Achievements, DTs (De-solventizers / Toasters) and Mineral Oil Systems.” Other topics discussed included bean value (protein, fat, free fatty acids (FFA), and moisture), meal quality, yields, plant security, safety, processing techniques, environmental issues, hexane loss improvements, housekeeping and improvements that can be made in equipment.
Pakistan has traditionally crushed sunflower seeds and canola and is on a learning phase to handle U.S. soybeans to produce better meal and better soy oil.
Dr. Riaz talked more about soybean processing and quality parameters required for full fat soybean processing.
Mr. Janjua said that the seminar was of great value in disseminating knowledge to improving crushing technology which in turn increases soy meal quality that supports the growing poultry, aquaculture, and livestock industries. U.S. Soy processing experts visiting Pakistan to provide world-class tech services will substantially add value to U.S. Soy, resulting in more imports. The experts also visited a few soy crushing plants and recommended improvements in equipment, process, and quality checks that will increase the profitability and performance of the plants.
Fazal Ahmed, Senior Vice Chairman, APSEA recognized USSEC’s efforts and cooperation with APSEA to help them improve the crushing industry and the tech and trade exposure that they derive from USSEC’s global programs such as the U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange and industry visits.
Pakistan started importing U.S. soybeans in 2015. In the current year, Pakistan increased its preference for U.S, soybeans, importing 630 thousand metric tons (TMT) and even more growth for U.S. soybeans is envisioned in the future. U.S Soybeans are gaining popularity among Pakistani crushers because of consistent quality, superior supply chain systems, and sustainability.