Punjab to introduce genetically modified seeds

LAHORE:The Punjab government on Monday told representatives of multination companies about its intention to introduce genetically modified seeds in the province.

The important issue of introducing GM seeds came into limelight during a meeting between Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and heads of multination seed companies, which was held here at Agriculture House.

During the meeting, innovations in modern technology of seeds of cotton, maize and other important crops were reviewed. Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Agriculture said cotton is a cash crop for the country's economy.

Due to climate change and lack of modern seed technology, the production of cotton crop is decreasing. There is a need to bring modern high yielding seeds of cotton, maize and other important crops to the doorstep of farmers so that production targets can be achieved.

Talking about advanced seeds technology and productivity of important crops, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that the innovation of seeds with modern production plans of crops and immunity against diseases is the need of the hour. In this regard, research institutions, academia and other relevant stakeholders should work together.

Accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Usama Khan Leghari and Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, the minister maintained that there is a need to market new types of seeds to increase the production of crops and evaluate the possibilities of increasing cotton production through biotechnology.

On this occasion, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani directed all stakeholders to submit viable proposals for increasing cotton production, which will be reviewed and sent to the Chief Minister for approval.

Reiterating his government’s commitment for the welfare of the farming community, he said that the current government has increased the development budget of agriculture by 250 percent this year so that priority measures are taken for the prosperity of farmers.

A new era of agricultural development is beginning in the province thanks to the farmer-friendly initiatives of the Chief Minister, Punjab such as Kisan Card, Green Tractor Scheme, Solarisation of tube-wells and Agricultural Malls. Apart from this, 1,000 agricultural graduates have also been recruited under the Chief Minister Internship Programme this year. The meeting was attended by private sector stakeholders.