Pakistan's non-GMO corn sells at 10-15% discount

Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) says Pakistan's non-GMO corn is fetching 10% to 15% less than prevailing market rates, despite carrying potential for a premium overseas. Muhammad Daniyal, LDC's country head and head of grains and oilseeds, told The Express Tribune that problems in harvesting, handling and storage are the main drag. According to him, the discount stems from moisture levels and foreign matter in the crop, not from its quality.

Daniyal said the country's corn lacks adequate drying systems, suitable storage and transport, so overseas buyers often do not purchase it at all. Buyers that proceed typically accept a discount of 10% to 15% against the going rate. A silage storage unit near Multan, LDC's first, can hold 40,000 tonnes of wheat, corn and rice meeting global norms.

Daniyal argued that stronger drying, storage and marketing could let Pakistan earn millions of dollars from corn, and the new unit aims to protect surplus output in Punjab's farm belt. He added that harvested grain should go straight into storage with good airflow and humidity management, which could make Pakistani wheat and corn more competitive abroad while giving local processors steadier supply.