Agricultural expert wants farmers to grow hybrid maize

PESHAWAR: An agriculture expert and former secretary of Pakistan Tobacco Board Khan Faraz on Tuesday asked farmers to grow hybrid maize.He said it was unfortunate that certain stakeholders in seed businesses opposed the introduction of genetically modified maize commercial cultivation.

“Maize is a cash crop and is abundantly available. It is the third most important cereal crop of the country after wheat and rice. It is the fifth biggest crop in terms of its economic value, and an average yield of maize currently hovers around four tons per hectare, which is one of the highest in the whole region,” he added. Khan Faraz recalled that progress in maize production over the years had given Pakistan a distinction in achieving one of the biggest per acre yield across South Asia apparently due to the introduction of hybrid maize seed.

He said Pakistan’s maize exports experienced a substantial surge in the past few years, which he added was better both for the country and farmers.“This growth is attributed to a bumper harvest and decreased domestic poultry feed demand, resulting in a significant exportable surplus at competitive prices.

Key export destinations include Vietnam, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Besides its increasing popularity as a substitute grain, maize also plays a critical role in meeting global food, feed, and industrial demands, with its market witnessing steady growth worldwide,” Khan Faraz explained.

The demand for maize, he added, has increased as a versatile ingredient in various food products, allowing maize producers to boost their agricultural produce and increase their market share.

“It merits a mention here that increasing demand for maize food, animal feed, and industrial applications is fuelled by the expanding livestock sector, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for processed foods. Since Pakistan, being an agricultural economy, needs to empower the farmer by providing highly efficient modern infrastructure, including warehousing, integrated technology, and a seamless supply chain. Adherence to international quality and safety standards will enhance the credibility of Pakistani maize in global markets,” the agriculture expert opined.