Pakistani farmers express reservations over GM corn plan

The Pakistani government is considering allowing commercial planting of genetically modified (GM) corn, but some farmers and activists have expressed reservations about it, sources said.

Experts have emphasised that though yield is high, there are some issues which need to be examined thoroughly.

Field trials are being conducted in Manga Mandi, about 25-30 kilometers from Lahore.

Field trials will be completed this year and after the approvals from the regulatory authorities, demonstrative cultivation is expected to be done in 2012, sources said.

The field trials are being closely monitored by the government agencies to assess the cross pollination impacts.

The field trials have so far been successful and cross germination preventions have proven their effectiveness, said a spokesperson of Monsanto.

There is a need for GM corn (maize) in Pakistan because corn stem borer, Heliothis, army worms and weeds have the potential to decrease yield considerably.

The GM corn would bring in environment-friendly, more reliable and cost-effective solutions, the official said and added that the insect-protected corn will increase productivity.

The Monsanto spokesperson claimed that GM maize is not sexually compatible with any indigenous or introduced wild plant species present in Pakistan.

Therefore, the potential for genetic transfer and exchange with other plants is limited to cross pollination to other cultivated maize plants.

The official said that the countries that have approved GM corn have allowed its production for human consumption.

Prof Dr Muhammad Ashfaq, Dean University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, said the issue is whether GM foods are safe enough to consume.

Some experts acknowledge possible hazards to human health in the long run, environmental consequences and undesirable economic outcomes, he said.

On the possible risk assessments, both expert and lay knowledge in collaboration may bring more efficiency on assessing the risks, he said.

He said the main issue is whether labeling GM foods would help consumers by giving them a choice to buy or not to buy these foods, he said.

He said that bio safety rules and guidelines have been passed by the government, which emphasise constitution of institutional bio safety committee (IBC), technical advisory committee (TAC) and national advisory committee.

These committees will test and analyse the GM crops in all respects and will be responsible for the impact of GM crops on humans, animals and ecosystem.

Dr Noorul Islam, DG Research Agriculture at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, said that GM crops provide more protection against pests, but there are chances of spread of minor pests. The reward is far higher than technology fee, he said.

Wali Haider, an activist, said that maize can cross pollinate very easily through wind which can easily disfigure local maize breeds. Maize is not only a critical food crop in Pakistan, but is also a major fodder, he said.

To allow trans-national companies to control food and fodder crops through patented seeds will have serious consequences on farmers’ ability to produce for the country, he asserted.

In an agriculture country like Pakistan, it is the right of the people to be first informed and educated on the issues of patenting life forms, he said. Then there be a thorough dialogue on the issue, he added. Everything needs to be discussed not only with specialists, but also with farmers groups and other interest groups, he said.

All political parties should come to the forefront and make their political position be known on this subject, he demanded.