Super crops: Genetically modified crops to bring green revolution, says VC UAF

VC claims the technologically modified crop could solve food insecurity.


Our Correspondent June 07, 2013
Monsanto however, is facing international criticism at the moment for many of its genetically modified crops. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) will bring about a new green revolution based on biotechnology, precision agriculture and climate change, said Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor of University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), while briefing diplomats from 24 countries at the Foreign Services Academy (FSA) in Islamabad on Friday.

Khan termed GMOs a great and safe invention that would enhance crop productivity to feed the growing populations of Asian and African countries. He expressed concerns over stagnant wheat production for the last five year and urged the government to provide good governance to ensure timely and quality seed, fertilizer and other valuable inputs to meet the domestic needs to be able to make food affordable to poorest segments of the society. Dr Khan urged the government to rethink its export priorities in the wake of rising food insecurity, saying Pakistan produces five times more rice than it consumes to be able to export rice, but spends billion of dollars on importing edible oil and pulses, which reverses any gains.



He was of the view that after the introduction of Bt cotton, a genetically modified cotton strain, cotton productivity in Pakistan had gone up and application of pesticides had reduced. He said Monsanto, a multinational company that specialises in agricultural bio-technology and produces Bt Cotton, was planning to launch ‘Herbicide Resistance Corn’ that would enhance the production manifolds.

Director General, Foreign Service Academy Khalid Usman Qaiser highlighted the objectives of the visit, saying that such visits correct the negative narrative associated with Pakistan and acquaint our foreign guests with Pakistan’s prospects and potential.

Controversy

Monsanto however, is facing international criticism at the moment for many of its genetically modified crops. Japan and South Korea have officially banned purchase of white wheat from the United States (US) after the detection of an experimental strain of wheat created by Monsanto, while farmers in Europe and the US have filed several high profile law suits against the company. Previously in the mid to late 2000s, in neighbouring India, Monsanto was caught in a scandal when it was alleged that following massive crop failures after insects developed an immunity to Bt cotton, suicides by indebted farmers rose. Genetically modified crops in general, and Monsanto’s practices in particular have been the subject of great debate following outcry by farmers in several countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2013.

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COMMENTS (1)

Em Jal | 10 years ago | Reply

Monsato should NOT be allowed in Pakistan. If most of Europe has banned the evil corporation, why should Pakistan allow it? We are better than that! Money should stop influencing people's decisions.

When I come to Pakistan every summer, it is the only place I know where I can get locally grown, fresh food and not worry about any harmful chemicals or anything sprayed. The food is so much better and much more fresh than what I usually eat here. It is more healthier and with GMO food, there have been studies it can be linked to certain illnesses.

Monsato may be willing to pay a lot of money, but if they are harming us, they obviously are not going to tell anyone. People here in the U.S. want Monsato banned but because of the Obama adminstration, it has been impossible.

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