Pakistani farmers can reap benefits from biotechnology

Biotech corn can lead the way in improving agricultural yields for farmers and bring positive economic impact to people in the traditional corn belts as well as northern parts of the country, according to biotechnology experts.

Speaking at a symposium on ''Current Agro Biotechnology'' organised by the Punjab University's microbiology department in collaboration with Monsanto, Pakistan, at a local hotel, National Biotechnology Commission secretary Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik said biotechnology had created a significant impact in enhancing agriculture production in the developed world and developing nations like India.

He said the Philippines had made significant economic progress by adopting the latest agri-technologies.

Dr Malik said Pakistan was already conducting regulatory field trials for biotech corn and cotton, and these would help the government in deciding on introduction of the agricultural biotechnology.

He said the positive impact of biotech crops around the world was evident in reducing pesticide usage that was subsequently a positive step for the environment.

He said corn was very important crop for Pakistan as it sustained the poultry industry and was also a part of staple diet of the people in the north and north-western parts of the country. Enhanced production could also provide more corn oil, which was widely used in cooking locally, he said.

Improving yields, better pest management and reduced pesticide usage would be the core benefits of bringing latest technology in corn crops. So far, he said, Pakistan had not fully utilised potential of corn and there was a good opportunity for farmers.