Pakistan Represent Biotechnology in 6th Pan-Asia Farmers Exchange Program
April 11 , 2012
Many Asian countries have benefited from biotechnology in recent years, however due to certain challenges in its adoption; there are some countries in the region, which are facing difficulties in formulating a due course of action in this regard. This was the crux of the 6th Pan-Asia Farmers Exchange Program, organized by Crop Life Asia and Biotech Coalition of the Philippines recently. Representatives of nine Asian countries participated in the session. Pakistan was represented by Dr Mohammad Zafar Hayat, Dr Rao Azhar Ali Khan, Muhammad Maqsood Ahmad, Ibad ur Rehman and Zeeshan Manzoor Watto. During the presentations made by different countries, Lucy Li from China, Abraham Manalo, Executive Secretary, Biotechnology Coalition from Philippines, Dr. Nadoor Seetharama, Director Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) from India Dr. Sujin Patarapuwadol, Assistant Director, Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology from Thailand, Professor Dr. Bahagiawati Amir Husin, Scientist, Indonesia Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Research Ilyas Nadeem, Commercial Operation Lead Monsanto Pakistan About commercialisation of GM Corn. Dr Mohammad Zafar Hayat, District Governor Lodhran, Farmers Associates Pakistan (FAP), said some of the fears about biotech crops were not based on scientific bases rather they were based on possible future events which may happen, like damage to biodiversity, ecosystem and human health issues. Even if they are based on assumptions and hence psychological in origin, still they need to be answered, which means that organisation developing biotech crops, whether they are from private or public sector, have to address this issue.