‘PM’s new policy gives country a chance to modernize agriculture’

ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister’s new approval of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy has given Pakistan a historic opportunity to modernize agriculture, facing challenges to deal with the issue of genetically modified crops including maize. Sources told Business Recorder that the approval of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy by the Prime Minister and the Federal Cabinet was an important and timely step for Pakistan’s agriculture. It created a clear national direction for science-based innovation, improved seed systems, food security, farmer productivity and responsible investment. The policy followed an extended consultative process involving public institutions, scientists, regulators, provincial representatives, academia, industry and other stakeholders. After such a thorough process, the country now needs implementation with the same seriousness with which the policy was approved. The real challenge before Pakistan is no longer the absence of policy; it is the roadblocks being created in its implementation. Once a national policy has been approved at the highest level, repeated delays, procedural uncertainty and reopening of settled technical questions weaken the confidence of farmers, investors, researchers and technology providers. One major roadblock is the continued circulation of misinformation around genetically modified maize. GM maize is often presented as a new or untested technology, although its regulatory journey in Pakistan started many years ago. Biosafety trials began in 2009, required studies and data generation were completed, and commercialization approvals were granted after review by the competent biosafety authorities. Experts said that the trials were conducted under the supervision of the Field Monitoring Committee constituted through the Technical Advisory Committee and the National Biosafety Committee. This history shows that the technology has already passed through Pakistan’s prescribed biosafety and regulatory processes. Another roadblock is the tendency to ignore local performance data. GM maize hybrids completed National Uniformity Yield Trials across multiple locations under regulatory supervision. Published trial data indicated yield advantages ranging from 10 percent to 46 percent across hybrids from different companies. These results are important because Pakistan’s farmers are facing rising input costs, pest pressure, climate stress and increasing demand from the feed sector. When a technology has demonstrated local agronomic value, delaying access to it means delaying potential gains for farmers and the national economy. Experts stated that a further concern is the creation of unnecessary fear around markets and coexistence. Pakistan’s maize grain market is already largely linked with feed use, where poultry is the largest consumer, followed by animal feed and wet milling. The country also already uses approved GM soybean and canola-based feed ingredients. Locally produced GM maize would therefore enter an existing feed market rather than creating an unfamiliar system. Where buyers require non-GM grain or derivatives, segregation, contract production, identity preservation and dedicated sourcing can address those needs, as is done in many countries. Sources further revealed that some opposition also appears to arise from narrow commercial concerns rather than national agricultural priorities. Segments of the local seed industry may fear competition, while parts of the processing sector may prefer the status quo. However, national policy cannot be held hostage to selective commercial interests. Competition in the seed sector should be based on germplasm quality, farmer value, stewardship and performance. Technology licensing models, public-sector innovation and private-sector investment can all coexist if the regulatory environment remains predictable and fair. Experts pointed out that Pakistan cannot view agricultural biotechnology in isolation from global practice. GM maize has been approved and used in major agricultural economies for nearly three decades, including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada and South Africa. In Asia, countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and China have also moved ahead with approvals, while India has restarted its approval process. If Pakistan continues to delay implementation after policy approval, it risks falling behind regional competitors in technology adoption, farmer productivity and export competitiveness. The economic stakes are significant. Pakistan’s maize grain exports have recently ranged around USD 288-345 million annually, while fodder, forage and maize-based products add further value. With improved productivity, quality, stewardship and market access, approved GM maize technology could help strengthen Pakistan’s grain and feed export base over time. The objective should not be to force one technology on every farmer or every market. The objective should be to give farmers choice, support market segmentation where needed, and allow Pakistan to benefit from technologies that have already been assessed through law and science. These implementation roadblocks must therefore be addressed through clear administrative action. Relevant ministries and regulatory authorities should proceed in line with the approved policy framework, avoid duplication of completed assessments, and communicate transparently with stakeholders. A practical roadmap is needed for biosafety renewals, variety approval processes, stewardship requirements, coexistence guidance, monitoring, labeling where applicable, and farmer awareness. The purpose of regulation should be to manage technology responsibly, not to create indefinite uncertainty, sources added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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