Consensus reached on GM, non-GM maize coexistence framework

According to Business Recorder, Pakistan has taken another step toward commercialising genetically modified corn after a government committee largely agreed on a plan for the transition. The proposal lets GM and non-GM maize operate side by side, while tackling industry worries over seed supply, pricing and protective measures. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the committee meeting, which was formed by the prime minister to review the country's policy on GM maize.

Participants stressed that the framework needs clear guidelines, suitable safeguards and realistic timelines, and that it should move beyond policy design into implementation. Views from the seed industry, maize millers, academics and technical experts were to be incorporated. The committee also discussed technology adoption and better harvesting, storage and related infrastructure to support farm productivity.

The committee agreed to finalise the full transition and implementation framework, and the finance minister asked for the work to be completed quickly so the recommendations could reach the concerned authorities. Representatives from public and private bodies, including the National Food Security and Research ministry, the prime minister's agriculture coordinator and Pakistan Green Initiative, attended the meeting.