Pakistan Is Decades Behind in Use of Biotechnology

By Jim.Robinson|May 18, 2011

Pakistani scientists have estimated that the country is approximately 25 years behind the rest of the world in its use of available biotechnology. They made that statement despite the fact that Bt cotton is now being grown on approximately 2.4 million hectares, thanks to the introduction of 29 biotech varieties.

The scientists made the statement as they met for a seminar entitled, ‘Implementation of the Bio-safety Protocols’ at the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad (UAF), according to a story published May 18 on www.Fibre2Fashion.com.

The scientists were unanimous in their claim that greater emphasis needs to be placed on biotechnology and bio-safety if the country if we are going to be able to cope with the world’s food challenges caused by the spiraling global population.

The world might be lagging in its production of pest-free crops, but Pakistan is much farther behind, the scientists said. They urged Pakistani officials to develop short-term courses for raising awareness of the people about the intellectual property rights.

UAF Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan, chair of the session, emphasized the need to increase yield by adopting modern techniques that reduce the cost of production. The establishment of a bio-monitoring cell at UAF will promote Bt cotton in the cotton growing areas.