A government committee has approved, in principle, the cultivation of genetically modified corn in Pakistan alongside existing hybrid and organic maize varieties, setting up a coexistence framework that could reshape the country’s agriculture sector in the coming years.
Finance Minister Leads the Decision
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the Committee on Genetically Modified Corn, which brought together representatives from the agriculture ministries, the Prime Minister’s office, the Pakistan Green Initiative, the business community and scientific experts. The committee agreed to establish a framework allowing GM and non-GM maize farming to coexist, with safeguards built in to protect both sides of the industry.
A Decade-Long Push
The move follows nearly a decade of on-and-off efforts to bring GM corn to Pakistan’s fields. US firms Corteva and Bayer had previously received trial licences years ago, though these were later cancelled amid regulatory and political hurdles. The United States has continued to press Pakistan to commercialise GM corn, citing potential yield increases of 15 to 30 percent that could help address the country’s food security needs.
Concerns From Exporters and Millers
Not everyone in the industry is on board. Domestic maize exporters and millers have raised concerns that GM corn could face rejection in key export markets such as the EU, Australia, China and New Zealand, where consumers and regulators maintain strict food safety preferences around genetically modified crops. Balancing these export concerns against the potential productivity gains has been central to the committee’s deliberations.
A Gradual Rollout
While the committee pushed for expedited implementation plans, no specific date has been announced for when GM corn will reach farmers’ fields commercially. Officials say the transition will happen gradually, giving stakeholders across the supply chain time to adapt. Aurangzeb stressed the need for “realistic timelines while avoiding unnecessary delays,” signalling that the government wants to move forward without rushing the process.
What Comes Next
Further regulatory and technical work is expected before commercial cultivation begins, including finalising the coexistence framework and biosafety protocols. The decision marks one of the most significant shifts in Pakistan’s agricultural policy in years, with implications for farmer incomes, food security and the country’s trade relationships with major maize export markets.