Govt pushes GM corn adoption

Committee forms working group to address industry concerns over exports, milling

The government has pushed forward with plans to adopt genetically modified corn technology, with a high-level committee reviewing progress and agreeing to form a working group to address concerns raised by industry stakeholders, according to a statement on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the second meeting of the Committee on Genetically Modified Corn, calling for consensus-building through scientific evidence, technical expertise and international best practices.

The committee reviewed follow-up actions from its previous meeting and discussed opportunities presented by GM corn technology to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, reduce import dependence and improve competitiveness. Members also discussed the need to safeguard Pakistan's maize milling industry, export markets and existing agricultural value chains.

The meeting considered stakeholders' recommendations regarding coexistence of GM and non-GM maize, regulatory oversight, biosafety protocols, traceability, storage infrastructure and supply chain management.

Aurangzeb acknowledged concerns raised by various stakeholders and emphasised that technological advancement and protection of existing industries must progress together through practical and evidence-based solutions.