In a move that has sparked both relief and controversy, the Pakistani government has reversed its ban on GMO (genetically modified organism) soybean imports. This decision, expected to bolster the poultry sector, has faced strong resistance from environmental groups concerned about ecological and health impacts.
Regulatory Approval and Debate
The National Biosafety Centre (NBC), Pakistan’s regulatory authority overseeing GMO safety, recently granted import licenses to 39 companies for GMO soybeans. This decision followed prolonged debates among government officials, business organizations, and farmers regarding the safety and necessity of GMOs in the country’s food supply chain.
While business advocates see this as a step toward stabilizing Pakistan’s protein supply, particularly through poultry, environmentalists argue the move lacked proper risk assessments mandated by Pakistan’s Biosafety Rules and the Cartagena Protocol. Critics warn of potential threats to biodiversity and local agriculture.
Poultry Sector Relief
The Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) welcomed the decision, emphasizing its importance in sustaining the poultry industry, a key source of affordable protein in the country. PPA representatives pointed out that the ban had created severe disruptions in chicken feed availability, forcing many broiler farmers to halt production.
“This ban led to panic among broiler farmers, causing a significant drop in production as chick placements declined,” noted Muhammad Salman Sabir, a local market analyst.
According to the PPA, nearly 60% of poultry breeders were negatively impacted by the feed shortage, with some businesses facing bankruptcy. However, independent researchers suggest these claims might be exaggerated. A study by IndexBox reported a 5.8% decline in Pakistan’s poultry market in 2023, marking the first contraction since 2015.
Environmental and Economic Concerns
Environmental advocates and several government agencies, including the Ecology Ministry, strongly opposed the ban’s removal. They criticized the government for prioritizing short-term economic relief over long-term environmental and agricultural stability.
A joint statement from environmentalists highlighted the absence of locally conducted risk assessments, arguing that the decision puts biodiversity and public health at risk.
A Crisis in the Food Industry
The broader food industry in Pakistan is grappling with a crisis exacerbated by rising poultry prices. Dr. Vaqar Ahmed of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute estimates that nearly 42% of Pakistanis are malnourished, with protein costs surging. Poultry prices have risen dramatically, from Rs175 (US$2) per kg in early 2022 to as high as Rs500 (US$5.90) per kg at peak levels.
The GMO soybean import ban, implemented in October 2022 after revelations of unregulated imports, is cited as a major factor behind the crisis. Critics argue that the ban’s sudden imposition created chaos in the poultry sector, disrupting the supply of chicken feed and driving up production costs.
Balancing Risks and Benefits
As the ban is lifted, Pakistan faces the challenge of balancing the immediate need to stabilize its food supply against the long-term risks to health and the environment. While the poultry industry looks forward to regaining stability, environmentalists and independent researchers remain skeptical about the broader implications of GMO reliance.
This pivotal decision underscores the complexity of managing food security in a developing nation, where economic pressures and environmental concerns often collide.
