LAHORE: The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) arranged stakeholders meeting on “Genetically Modification Organisms Issues and Future Strategies” at the City Campus Lahore, a statement said on Friday.

UVAS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad and University of Education Lahore Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha co-chaired the meeting and sought recommendations and technical input from the stakeholders regarding the import of genetically modified vegetable meals for poultry feed under the provision of Pakistan biosafety rules.

Vegetable (soyabean/canola/sunflower) meal is one of the essential ingredients for production of poultry feed. The feed manufacturers and commercial importers require an environmental licence from the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency under the provision of Pakistan biosafety rule for importing these items.

Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad said that UVAS had always played a leading role as a think tank and troubleshooter to resolve livestock, poultry and dairy industries issues.

The price of quality meat is high due to the unavailability of soyabean, he said, adding that UVAS provides a best platform to the stakeholders and professionals, where they can share their issues and constraints and recommendations to address the poultry sector issues.

Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha urged the stakeholders to start a social media campaign to create awareness regarding the use of genetically modified organisms for enhancing crops production.

He said the world is using GMO and it is not injurious to human health. He stressed the need to constitute a biosafety committee for the assistance of the poultry industry.

The participants demanded lifting a ban on the import of soyabean and adoption of GMO techniques to enhance crops production.

They urged the government to formulate farmer-friendly policies to boost the poultry sector. They suggested launching a media campaign to remove misconceptions associated with GMOs.

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