Agricultural biotechnology is vital for future food security in Pakistan said Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry
He stressed that “its top priority of the Ministry of Science and Technology to promote the development and commercialization of agricultural biotechnology in the country”.
The minister shared that the ministry was setting up a biotechnology park in Jhelum. He vowed that the ministry would revive the National Biotechnology Commission to expedite the introduction of biotechnology.
In the event was organized by the Pakistan Biotechnology Information Centre (PABIC) in association with the Forman Christian College University (FCCU) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to review the status of agricultural biotechnology and highlight the constraints in its successful adoption in Pakistan.
Dean of Postgraduate Studies at FCCU Dr Kauser Malik and PABIC Director Iqbal Choudhary pointed out that Pakistan was one of the earliest countries to show interest in biotechnology.
Iqbal Choudhary added that the country was nominated to host an international biotechnology research centre back in 1981 but lamented that despite all the early promises, it failed to fully benefit from the innovation.
Dr Kauser Malik stressed that the government and relevant ministries should provide an enabling environment for introducing innovative technologies in accordance with the international standards.
Participants were provided with an overview of the development of biotechnology infrastructure and expertise in Pakistan.
Original Link:https://www.technologytimes.pk/agricultural-biotechnology-vital-future-food-security-pakistan/