Pakistan
February 26, 2013

CropLife Pakistan (CLP) has formed a Biotech Committee to promote the benefits and responsible use of plant biotechnology in Pakistan.

Bayer, DuPont Pioneer, Syngenta and Monsanto shall be the initial members.

The working of the Biotech Committee will be governed by policies and procedures of CropLife International, a global federation representing the plant science industry, and CropLife Pakistan which is operating in the country since 1968 representing national and multinational companies of plant science industry.

The Biotech Committee would engage with the biotech regulatory agencies for implementation of Biosafety Guidelines and Rules 2005 so that science-based, level playing and transparent regulatory processes are implemented in Pakistan.

It would also create awareness and enhance acceptance of biotechnology by closely working with regulators, scientists, farmers, media, industry, academics and civil society. It would also act as a key promoter of safe and sustainable use of plant biotechnology and as industry focal point and immediate contact on matters pertaining to agricultural biotechnology.

The major activities to be undertaken by Biotech Committee include understanding and identifying biotech regulatory needs of the country and engage with the Government to ensure that these become part of the regulatory framework.

The Committee would also share and highlight the global and local perspective of modern plant biotechnology with multiple stakeholders i.e. media, civil society, NGOs, academia and farmers organizations.

It is relevant to mention here that achieving sustainability in food grain production and food security continues to be a challenge in the developing world including Pakistan. Biotechnology is a tool available to improve food security concerns, and managing poverty.

The adoption of biotechnology by Pakistani farmers would result in enhancing productivity and addressing food security challenges faced by Pakistani growers and the country at large. At a time when nations all across the world are multiplying their agriculture productivity, preventing disease prevalence and solving the problem of environmental pollution,

Pakistan needs a national strategy and plan of action to use this revolutionary science for solving/preventing problems and for rapid development.

Biotech crops can increase productivity and income significantly, and hence, can serve as an engine of rural economic growth that can contribute to the alleviation of poverty for the small and resource-poor farmers.

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

Published: February 26, 2013