LAHORE - There is a need to adopt science-based agriculture in Pakistan to increase output and meet the constantly growing food, fiber and fodder demands.
This was highlighted by country’s renowned biotechnologists at launching ceremony of ISAAA report (ISAAA Brief 46) on global status of genetically modified (GM) crops. The event was organised by the Pakistan Biotechnology Information Center (PABIC) in collaboration with PABIC (Lahore Chapter) at Forman Christian College (a chartered university) Lahore.
Speaking on the occasion, renowned biotechnologists Dr Kauser Abdullah Malik and Dr Tayyab Hussnain said that modern biotechnology, being one of the important developments of present era, has immense potential for improving agricultural productivity. However, for its use on scientific and sustainable basis, they said, Pakistan needs coherent policies and clear implementation strategy to adapt agri biotech, focusing on crops which require less water, less fertilizers and pesticides and giving more yields to feed the growing population as well as to provide raw material for high value exports.
Dr James Tebbe, Rector FC College, addressed on the importance of the promotion of science as well as the need for ventures such as ISAAA in order to engage science in a better manner.
Dr. Clive James, Founding Chairman ISAAA and author of ISAAA Brief 46 during his video message talked about the highlights of ISAAA Brief 46. He briefed about the adaptation rate of agri biotechnology worldwide.
Dr. Tayyab Husnain, Director Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), Lahore, gave a presentation on the potential of agriculture in Pakistan as well as highlighting major developments. DG Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (PEPA), Islamabad Dr Khursheed Sawati talked about the need for biotech regulation in Pakistan.
Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, in his concluding remarks, said that this is a great challenge to provide sufficient food to the growing population of the world. He said that Pakistani population will reach to 250 million by 2050.
He said that there is a need to design coherent policies work and grow the crops which need less water, less fertilizer and give more yields to feed growing population. He added that all these problems can easily be cover up by the crop biotechnology.