STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR : CropLife Pakistan Executive Director Rashid Ahmed has welcomed the federal government’s approval of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy and National Seed Policy 2026, calling them landmark initiatives to boost food security, agricultural productivity, and innovation.
He said the biotechnology policy, developed after nearly two years of consultations with government institutions, scientists, regulators, and private stakeholders, provides a clear framework for the safe adoption of modern agricultural technologies, including GM crops.
Rejecting recent media reports questioning the safety and regulatory status of GM maize, Rashid Ahmed said field trials conducted since 2009 fulfilled all legal requirements and commercialization approvals were granted in 2016-17. He clarified that the licences expired due to the absence of a biotechnology policy at the time and were not cancelled over safety concerns.
He said countries such as China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam have moved ahead with GM maize under regulated systems, while Pakistan continues to lag behind.
Rashid Ahmed said commercialization of GM maize could improve crop yields, strengthen maize exports, attract investment, and benefit farmers. He warned that further delays in renewing commercialization licences would leave Pakistan behind in agricultural innovation and deprive farmers of modern technology.
