CropLife Pakistan Executive Director Rashid Ahmed has welcomed the federal government's approval of Pakistan's first National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy and National Seed Policy 2026, describing them as landmark initiatives that will strengthen food security, boost agricultural productivity, support farmers, and encourage innovation in the seed and biotechnology sectors.
Biotechnology Policy Development
Ahmed said the biotechnology policy, approved in April 2026 after nearly two years of consultations involving government departments, scientists, regulators, provincial representatives and industry stakeholders, provides a clear framework for the responsible adoption of modern agricultural technologies, improved seed systems and research-driven innovation.
Clarification on GM Maize Trials
Rashid Ahmed expressed concern over what he termed misleading claims regarding GM maize. He clarified that member companies of CropLife Pakistan received approval to begin GM maize trials in 2009 under the Pakistan Biosafety Rules and Guidelines 2005. The trials, covering insect protection and herbicide tolerance, were conducted under the supervision of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), National Biosafety Committee (NBC) and Field Monitoring Committee.
Commercialization Approvals and License Expiry
Ahmed said all statutory requirements were fulfilled before commercialization approvals were granted in 2016-17. The licenses later expired after the standard three-year period due to the absence of a comprehensive biotechnology policy, not because of any safety concerns. With the new policy now in place, he urged the government to move forward with the commercialization of GM crops, particularly yellow maize.
International Comparisons
Rejecting claims that China has not adopted GM maize, Rashid Ahmed said China has approved several GM maize and soybean varieties through a regulated process involving biosafety certification, variety registration and seed production licenses. He also noted that India continues to permit confined field trials of selected GM maize varieties.
Economic Impact and Export Potential
Ahmed said Pakistan currently earns around $350-400 million annually from maize exports and that improved technologies, including GM maize hybrids, could significantly enhance production, quality and export earnings. He added that the country's poultry and livestock sectors already use imported GM soybean and canola in feed, while maize seed producers follow strict isolation and quality-control measures that can also ensure the responsible cultivation of GM maize.
Warning Against Further Delays
Rashid Ahmed warned that further delays in renewing commercialization licenses would discourage investment, slow agricultural innovation and ultimately deprive Pakistani farmers of technologies needed to improve productivity, incomes and competitiveness.
