NBC to take up GM corn cases on Friday

Pakistan’s National Biosafety Committee is due to review pending applications for genetically modified corn technologies on Friday, The Express Tribune reported, alongside other biosafety matters. The committee has not announced any decision on the applications. The meeting follows the government’s approval earlier this year of a national agricultural biotechnology policy intended to strengthen oversight of agricultural innovation.

CropLife Pakistan said licensing the GM corn technologies would be an important step for agricultural biotechnology. Its executive director, Rasheed Ahmed, said wider use of advanced seeds could support farm output, food security and sector competitiveness. The report also noted that Pakistani non-GMO corn faces export obstacles because drying, storage and transport systems are inadequate; where buyers are found, sales can be priced 10% to 15% below prevailing market rates.