A Reuters file photo of an agricultural field.
Addressing biotech institutes, the academia and other stakeholders at an event titled National Dialogue on Agricultural Biotechnology on Friday, he emphasised that Pakistan must take advantage of the latest technologies, particularly biotechnology, for the advancement of agriculture.
The event was organised by the Pakistan Biotechnology Information Centre (PABIC) in collaboration with the Forman Christian College University (FCCU) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
"It is, therefore, the top priority of the Ministry of Science and Technology to promote the development and commercialisation of agricultural biotechnology in the country," he stressed.
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The minister shared that the ministry was setting up a biotechnology park in Jhelum. He vowed that the ministry would revive the National Biotechnology Commission to expedite the introduction of biotechnology.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean of Postgraduate Studies at FCCU Dr Kauser Malik and PABIC Director Iqbal Choudhary pointed out that Pakistan was one of the earliest countries to show interest in biotechnology.
They added that the country was nominated to host an international biotechnology research centre back in 1981 but lamented that despite all the early promises, it failed to fully benefit from the innovation.
"Pakistan has a longstanding policy to adopt biotechnology, which is reflected in the establishment and funding of numerous research institutes and academic programmes across the country since 1994," explained Malik.
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"However, policy disconnect amongst relevant ministries and regulatory bodies continues to create roadblocks in the way of technology approvals."
He stressed that the government and relevant ministries should provide an enabling environment for introducing innovative technologies in accordance with the international standards.
Other speakers also emphasised the importance of adopting biotechnology in order to grow ample food for the growing population by using lesser resources. They urged government ministries and departments to frame policies and undertake reforms backed by science and technology rather than misinformation and anti-science propaganda.
Participants were provided with an overview of the development of biotechnology infrastructure and expertise in Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2019.
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