ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a webinar on Saturday said food security was as important as national security and agri biotechnology can help achieve food security. Government must provide an enabling environment to introduce innovative technologies in agriculture.

During the webinar a booklet titled “Current Status of Agricultural Biotechnology in Pakistan” authored by Director Pakistan Biotechnology Information Center Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik was launched.

The launch was virtually attended by scientists, policymakers and representatives from leading institutes, academia and other stakeholders.

This booklet provides an overview on the development of biotechnology infrastructure and expertise in Pakistan and the current research details, the impediments to commercialisation and the laws and regulations governing this technology.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Hussain Jahania Gardezi said that biotechnology was a tool available to improve food security problems and reduce poverty.

“The application of biotechnology by Pakistani farmers would not only result in enhancing productivity but would also help in addressing food security challenges faced by the country. 

“Food Security is as important as national Security. I believe that a bipartisan approach is required to ensure the continuity of the efforts and policies made to achieve these objectives,” he said.

“Government intends to further strengthen Punjab Agriculture Research Board so that it can support agricultural biotechnology projects and facilitate in its commercialisation. The Punjab government also intends to work with the federal government to strengthen and simplify the regulatory protocols so that the researches carried out can be commercialised,” he said.

In his introductory presentation, Dr Malik said the main objective was to enable the researchers working in agricultural biotechnology to know the work which their colleagues in other institutions were doing.

He highlighted that Pakistan was one of the countries showing interest in biotechnology, starting with a nomination to host an international biotechnology research centre back in 1981.

He further lamented that despite all the early promises, the country had not fully benefited from this innovation.

Director Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Dr. Farzana Altaf Shah also reiterated the importance of adopting biotechnology to grow enough food for a growing population while using fewer resources.

She said soon there would be an agricultural war in the world and Pakistan should be ready for it by adopting modern technology.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2021