December 2, 2011

To be able to ensure food security and use full potential of agricultural productivity in the country, Pakistan will adopt genetically modified (GM) or biotech crops in the shortest possible time.

This was the crux of a seminar on "Benefits of using biotechnology to boost agriculture products" organised by Pakistan Biotechnology Information Centre (PABIC) in collaboration with Agriculture Journalists Association (AJA) at a local club.

The seminar was addressed by Dr. Anwar Nasim, Chairman of the International Council for the Life Sciences (Pakistan

Chapter), Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Director General (Biosciences Division), Dr. Yusuf Zafar, International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Associate Professor Dr. Saifullah Khan, and Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, former Member (Agriculture) Planning Commission and senior scientist.

Biotechnology scientists were of the view that the government should expedite the process of licensing new variety of hybrid corn seeds which have successfully completed the field trials, enact enabling laws like Plant Breeders Act and implement IPR laws effectively.

The experts stated that due to increasing population, water scarcity and surging demand for it, Pakistan should act on fast-track basis for the sake of food security.

They said that BT crops not only increase agriculture production but also reduce use of pesticides, which in turn improves the environment.

While brushing aside misconceptions about biotechnology, the experts said that ever-increasing global adoption of biotech crops was a testimony of the fact that biotech crops were safe and all the propaganda against GM crops was baseless.