LAHORE: The genetically modified (GMO) maize plan announced last week has sparked significant backlash, with agricultural stakeholders expressing concerns over what they call erosion of agricultural sovereignty, potential export failures, and bio-security threats.
National agriculture sector is heading for a major confrontation as in a rare show of unity, farmers, scientists, exporters, seed industry leaders and academia issued a blistering warning against the government’s proposed approval of genetically modified corn cultivation. They are calling it a “suicide attack” on food security, human health and a multi-billion dollar export industry.
The stakeholders from across the maize supply chain hailing from around the country gathered on Sunday at Lahore Chamber under Zarai Ittehad Pakistan (ZarPak) platform. Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and Basmati Growers Association warn that GMO corn, a highly cross-pollinating crop, will hurt $1 billion Basmati exports and cause loss of EU and other international markets.
According to Pakistan Kissan Ittehad and Kissan Board Pakistan, maize is part and parcel of food chain in the country both as staple fibre, street and fast food, and a centuries old delicacy. Pakistan’s maize yields are already double the Indian output and comparable to USA levels. Hence, there is “no need” for GMO seeds. Approving it will hand control to multinationals and wipe out local seed industry.
Senior scientists and experts warn that dependence on imported GMO seed creates “bio-security and bio-terrorism” risks. Any disruption could trigger nationwide food shortages. Stakeholders allege the federal committee was “dubious and non-transparent” — only multinationals were invited and farmers and local seed companies were ignored.
The stakeholders have unanimously threatened countrywide protests if the government goes ahead with allowing cultivation of GMO maize at commercial scale.
At a national representative meeting, the stakeholders unanimously declared that the proposed recommendation to allow GMO corn cultivation could prove devastating for agriculture, economy and public health, pushing the country’s farming sector into a blind alley.
The meeting was addressed by leading figures including Farooq Bajwa, President Basmati Growers Association; Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, President Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI); Rizwanullah Khan, Vice President Kissan Board Pakistan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Taufiq Ahmed, former senior vice chairman REAP; Dr. Obaidur Rehman, pioneer of local seed R&D; Dr Anwarul Haq, seed sector expert; Fazeel-ur-Rehman, CEO of a leading starch processor, Dr Hashim Popalzai, ex-secretary Ministry of National Food Security; Ahad Sardar, exporter of locally developed seeds; Ijaz Siddiqui, President Agriculture Reforms Movement; Farooq Tariq, Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee; Dr Azeem Iqbal, Chairman Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad; Saim Rashid, President Agrarian Association of Pakistan; Rao Ijaz Ahmed, progressive farmer; Yasir Jan Khan Maliezai, progressive farmer; Shafiqur Rehman, central leader of Pakistan High Tech Hybrid Seed Association; and Chaudhry Bilal Ahmed, former chairman Seed Association of Pakistan.
Chairing the meeting, progressive farmer leader Farooq Bajwa said: “Basmati rice is Pakistan’s golden jewel, earning over one billion dollars in exports annually. GMO corn is a highly cross-pollinating crop and it will destroy the non-GMO character of Basmati. Our identity in European and international markets depends on it being GMO-free. Once contamination occurs, we will lose our export markets forever.” He warned that the decision could break the backbone of the national economy.
President PKI Khalid Khokhar rejected approval of GMO maize on what he called at the behest of international powers and IMF. “Our maize yield is already double the Indian output, and comparable to USA yield, while there is no threat by pests and diseases.” Consequently, he stressed that there was no need to go for GMO maize cultivation.
Representatives of REAP and maize processors anticipate growing threat from the GMO maize to export of their non-GMO produce, cautioning of the repercussion it may cause to their thriving trade. Representative of seed association rejected the government’s consultation process as “dubious and non-transparent.” They said the committee headed by the federal finance minister invited only multinational companies, while completely ignoring locally registered and elected seed organisations and farmers bodies.
Rizwanullah Khan from KPK, termed it a “conspiracy to establish foreign monopoly,” saying it would hand over agriculture to a few international corporations and wipe out the local varieties of edible maize, badly hurting local seed industry.
Dr. Anwarul Haq, Dr Ubaidur Rehman, Bilal Ahmed, and Shafiqur Rehman said that “by sidelining local scientists and researchers, the government has regrettably prioritised a foreign agenda, which is a grave mistake.” They made it clear that “this is not just an agricultural policy decision but tantamount to playing with thriving national maize economy.”
