Islamabad: CropLife Pakistan has urged the government to renew commercial licences for genetically modified (GM) maize, warning that further delays could slow agricultural innovation and limit farmers’ access to modern crop technology.
According to Beyond Time News, the industry body believes the renewal of GM maize licences would help improve crop productivity, strengthen farm incomes and encourage new investment in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Industry Calls for Immediate Action
CropLife Pakistan said the recent approval of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy provides a strong foundation for moving ahead with the commercial cultivation of GM crops.
The organisation identified yellow maize as one of the crops that could be introduced quickly under the new policy framework.
Executive Director Rashid Ahmed said timely approval would allow Pakistan to benefit from biotechnology that is already being used in several other countries.
Pakistan Lags Behind Regional Competitors
According to Beyond Time News, Pakistan began regulatory trials for GM maize in 2009.
At that time, the Philippines was the only country in Asia commercially cultivating GM maize.
Since then, countries including China, Indonesia and Vietnam have expanded the use of GM maize technology.
CropLife Pakistan argues that continued delays have reduced Pakistan’s competitiveness and discouraged investment in agricultural biotechnology.
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Focus on Farmers and Productivity
The organisation says farmers stand to gain the most from access to improved seed technology.
GM maize hybrids are designed to help increase yields while offering protection against certain insect pests and improving weed management.
CropLife Pakistan believes these improvements could reduce production losses and increase farm income.
The group also says higher productivity may strengthen Pakistan’s maize exports in the long term.
Addressing Biosafety Concerns
CropLife Pakistan rejected concerns that commercial GM maize could create new contamination risks.
According to the organisation, much of Pakistan’s maize production is already used by the poultry and livestock feed industry.
It noted that these industries currently import and use GM soybean and GM canola as feed ingredients.
The organisation also said local seed producers already follow quality-control measures and isolation-distance practices to maintain seed purity.
It believes similar safeguards can support the responsible cultivation of GM maize.
Export Potential
Pakistan currently earns an estimated $350–400 million annually from maize exports, including grain, forage and fodder.
CropLife Pakistan says improved maize varieties could increase both production and export earnings.
The organisation also stated that local wet millers account for a relatively small share of Pakistan’s maize exports, while most exports are handled by other market participants.
Debate Over Global GM Markets
CropLife Pakistan also challenged the perception that international markets avoid genetically modified crops.
The organisation said the European Union remains one of the world’s largest importers of GM grain for food, animal feed and industrial processing.
It argued that international demand for GM products continues in several major markets.
Call for Evidence-Based Decisions
The organisation urged policymakers and stakeholders to rely on scientific evidence when evaluating biotechnology.
According to Beyond Time News, CropLife Pakistan said member companies carried out multi-year GM maize trials under approvals granted by Pakistan’s biosafety authorities.
It added that the trials complied with the Pakistan Biosafety Rules and Guidelines 2005 and were reviewed by the relevant technical and regulatory committees.
Why the Issue Matters
Agriculture remains one of Pakistan’s largest economic sectors and supports millions of livelihoods.
Supporters of agricultural biotechnology believe modern seed technologies can improve food security, increase productivity and strengthen export competitiveness.
At the same time, the commercial use of genetically modified crops continues to generate discussion among policymakers, scientists and consumer groups over biosafety, regulation and environmental considerations.
Conclusion
CropLife Pakistan has renewed its call for the commercial approval of GM maize, saying the technology could help modernise Pakistan’s agriculture sector and improve farmers’ incomes.
The decision now rests with regulators, who will need to balance scientific assessments, regulatory requirements and stakeholder concerns before determining the future of GM maize cultivation in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GM maize?
GM maize is genetically modified corn developed to improve traits such as insect resistance, weed management and crop productivity.
Why is CropLife Pakistan seeking licence renewal?
The organisation says renewing commercial licences would allow farmers to access modern agricultural technology and improve crop yields.
When did Pakistan begin GM maize trials?
Pakistan started regulatory trials for GM maize in 2009, according to CropLife Pakistan.
How could GM maize benefit farmers?
Supporters say it can increase yields, reduce crop losses, improve farm income and strengthen export opportunities.
Is GM maize already used in other countries?
Yes. Several countries, including the Philippines, China, Indonesia and Vietnam, have adopted GM maize technology under their respective regulatory systems.
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