ISLAMABAD: A National Assembly panel has decided to consult the ministries of national health services (NHS), commerce and climate change for information on the situation of genetically modified (GM) technology approval for maize.

During a meeting on Thursday, the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research was of the view that such decisions should only be taken if the technology helps farmers and increases crop productivity.

GM crops are plants used in agriculture whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering methods.

The committee discussed whether the latest agricultural technology is useful for future generations. It had invited a private company to give presentation on the benefits of GM technology.

The company’s representative Mohammad Asim said more than 70 countries use GM food and 26 cultivate GM crops. He also said that GM maize hybrids have yield advantages of 10 to 45pc.

While discussing the advantages and disadvantages of GM seeds, National Food Security and Research Secretary Hashim Popalzaitold parliamentarians that the ministry was not against GM technology, and was ready to work with the industry on cotton crops.

However, he said, more time should be given to review the GM seeds to be introduced for maize crops.

Committee chair MNA Rao Ajmal said a lot of time has already been wasted. He said India opted for agriculture technology two decades ago and is now far ahead of Pakistan in per acre yields of cotton. He said Pakistan is losing its international market share in the agriculture sector because it lacks behind in the adoption of technologies.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2019