GM corn technologies: Major breakthrough nears as grant of biosafety licences is reviewed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s biotechnology sector may be on the verge of a landmark breakthrough as the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) convened to consider a range of biosafety applications, including long-pending cases related to Genetically Modified (GM) corn technologies.

The meeting comes at a pivotal time for the country’s agricultural sector following the approval of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, which is expected to strengthen the regulatory framework for modern agricultural innovations.

According to the CropLofe Pakistan, the anticipated review and approval of pending GM corn biosafety licenses would mark a major milestone for agricultural biotechnology in Pakistan.

Executive director CropLife Pakistan Rasheed Ahmed believed that such a move could accelerate the adoption of advanced seed technologies capable of improving farm productivity, enhancing food security, and increasing the competitiveness of Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

Agricultural and policy experts argue that timely regulatory decisions are essential to ensure Pakistani farmers have access to the same innovations that are already benefiting growers across many parts of the world.

Globally, GM corn has been cultivated and commercialized for more than two decades, with widespread adoption in major agricultural economies and across the Asia-Pacific region. Numerous studies have demonstrated both tangible benefits, including higher yields and reduced crop losses, and indirect benefits such as improved farm management flexibility, enhanced resource-use efficiency, and greater production stability.

The expected decisions by the NBC are also being viewed as continuation of National Biotech Policy which was approved by the Government earlier this year. This strengthens the commitment of Government to adopt innovation-led agricultural development.

The approval of the pending GM corn technologies are expected to support demonstration activities, farmer training programmes, and stewardship initiatives designed to promote the responsible and effective use of modern agricultural innovations.

With agriculture remaining a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, stakeholders are hopeful that the forthcoming NBC deliberations will pave the way for the introduction of next-generation technologies that can improve productivity, profitability, and resilience at the farm level.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026