Pakistan scraps GMO import ban; poultry industry braces for rebound

Published 2024년 11월 26일

Tridge summary

The Pakistani government has lifted a ban on imports of genetically modified soybeans, overriding opposition from environmental groups. The decision, which allows 39 companies to import the GMO soybeans, is intended to support the poultry sector and maintain protein supplies. However, the move has sparked concerns about its impact on local agriculture and the environment. Critics argue that the government failed to conduct required local risk assessments. The Pakistan Poultry Association welcomes the decision, while local business organisations and government agencies express opposition. The debate follows a food industry crisis triggered by a GMO import ban in 2022, which negatively affected the poultry industry and led to concerns about food security and international confidence in Pakistan's agricultural sector.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Overcoming substantial resistance from environmental protection organisations, the Pakistani government has withdrawn a ban on GMO (genetically modified organism) soybean imports. The landmark decision is expected to aid the poultry sector. The National Biosafety Centre (NBC), a state regulator responsible for evaluating the potential risks of GMOs to human health and the environment, has officially authorised GMO soybean imports by granting import licenses to 39 companies. The decision follows months of fierce debates between government officials, business organisations, and farmers over GMO safety and the impact of the move on the country’s food supply chain. A “crucial” move The Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) welcomed the move, describing it as crucial for maintaining steady protein supplies, especially after a prolonged ban on GMO soybean imports. However, the decision was criticised by several local business organisations, which expressed concerns about the potential ...

Source: Poultryworld