Inordinate delay in approval of Genetically Modified (GM) hybrids is posing food security threats besides hindering the long-term sustainability of maize-based industries.
Terming the opposition to technology already adopted by developed countries as baseless, stakeholders believe that GMOs are important for controlling pests, enhancing yields and as such catering to increasing domestic demand.
Referring to the rise in maize production during the past decade, they said that it was due to an increase in cultivation area. Without this increase in cultivated area, the maximum annual yield would have been around 6.5 million tonnes. To fulfil domestic demand, Pakistan would have needed to import 2–3 million tonnes of maize, which is overwhelmingly GM in the global market.
“Introduction of GM hybrids will definitely enhance maize production”, said Rashid Ahmad, CropLife Pakistan Executive Director, and Mohammad Asim, BioTech & Seed Committee Lead, during a meeting with the Agriculture Journalists Association. They shared a document carrying detailed replies to objections raised by some stakeholders against the approval of GM maize.
The document quoted global and domestic trial data, which shows significant productivity gains associated with GM hybrids. National Uniform Yield Trials (NUYT) records yield advantages ranging between 10 per cent and 46 per cent for GM maize over conventional hybrids. Even a modest 10 per cent yield improvement could add one million tonnes of additional grain, equivalent to $221 million.
Referring to claims of no pest threats in Pakistan, the document mentioned Fall Army Worm, corn earworm, stem borer and aggressive weed species damaging maize productivity.
Scientists estimate yield losses of up to 50% if such pests go unchecked. GM maize offers continuous protection at all crop stages, eliminating the need for multiple pesticide applications, particularly when spray penetration becomes difficult and costly.
Over potential export losses, particularly for the rice sector, the document claims that maize is biologically incapable of cross-pollinating with other crops. There are natural reproductive barriers between different crop species. Cultivation of BT cotton has not resulted in GM contamination of any other crop.
CropLife experts said country-wise export data for major commodities show that all major markets, such as the EU, China, Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, import GM-derived food and feed ingredients. Only a small group of countries, including Russia and Kenya, impose restrictions. Pakistan’s exports to these countries remain minimal and can be served through targeted non-GM contract farming.
They stated that the World Health Organisation, European Food Safety Authority, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada and Australia-New Zealand Food Authority assessments confirm that approved GM crops are as safe as their conventional counterparts.
