Pakistan
June 23, 2010

Biotechnology expert urge that biotech cotton, maize, and corn, can improve agricultural yields for farmers in Pakistan, biotechnology experts said on Tuesday.

This will help in improving rural farm incomes and bring positive economic impact to people in the traditional corn and cotton belts as well the northern parts of the country, cotton expert and patron in chief Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), Rana Abdul Sattar, said.

He was talking in a seminar on biotech arranged by Punjab University's department of Molecular Genetics. He added that Pakistan is already conducting regulatory field trials for biotech cotton and corn has already been done and these trails will help the government for the introduction of agricultural biotechnology.

Senior member of Sindh Agriculture Forum, Shakeel Ahmad said that there was dire need of biotechnology induction, especially in major crops, as textile sector bore around $35-45 billion on imports annually.

The seminar was also addressed by, Secretary, National Biotechnology Commission, Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, who told the participants that biotechnology has created significant impact in enhancing agricultural production in the developed world. He said that even developing nations like India and the Philippines have made significant economic progress by adopting the latest agri-technologies.

The positive impact of biotech crops around the world is evident in reducing pesticide usage, which is subsequently positive for the environment, he added.

Cotton, corn and wheat would continue to be important crops for our economy and farmers therefore must continuously apply better technologies. Water availability for agriculture is going down and while this will require major decisions, biotechnology can help in growing crops that utilise lesser water and fertilizers.

Dean Life Sciences Punjab University, Dr. Shahida Hasnain, described biotechnology benefits for farmers and outlined the achievements in attaining enhanced maize and corn yields by farmers.

Dr. Kamran Mujahid emphasised that with a growing population, it is imperative that Pakistan should focus on attaining sustainable higher yields and better water management to avert food shortages in the coming two decades.

Agro Biotechnology will help a desperately struggling population overcome food security.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010623story_23-6-2010_pg5_6
 

Website: http://www.pabic.com.pk

Published: June 23, 2010