By 2030 Pakistan may Face National Food Insecurity

Pakistan might face national food insecurity by 2030 unless it implements agri-biotech applications across the country.

The international report on bio-tech agriculture 'ISAAA Brief 44' was launched on Friday at the Government College University's (GCU) Institute of Industrial Biotechnology.

According to the Daily Times, it was prepared by Pakistan Biotechnology Information Centre (PABIC) and details global overview of the biotechnology application in developed and developing countries, including Pakistan.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleequr Rahman chaired the launch ceremony, whereas Pakistan Academy of Sciences General Secretary Prof Dr Anwar Nasim, Dr Clive James, the author of ISAAA Brief 44, Prof Dr Kausar Adullah Malik, GCU Institute of Industrial Biotechnology Director Prof Dr Ikramul Haq, faculty members and students were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony at the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, General Secretary Professor Dr. Anwar Nasim said if biotechnological advancements were not used for meeting the challenges, a major national crisis was expected, which might lead to food-related riots in the country in near future, the report said.

Dr Clive James, the author of ISAAA Brief 44, in his recorded message to the audience said that it was a great challenge to provide sufficient food to the growing population of the world, adding that Pakistan's population would reach 250 million by 2050.

National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Director Prof Dr Sohail Hameed emphasised the need for application of available biotechnological innovations and developing national capacity in this critically important field of agri-biotechnology, the report added.

Source: ANI