The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore's Department of Animal Nutrition organised a stakeholders' meeting on Genetically Modified Organisms Issues and Future Strategies. UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasim Ahmad and Vice-Chancellor University of Education Lahore Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha co-chaired the meeting and solicited technical advice from stakeholders regarding the import of genetically modified vegetable meals for poultry feed.

According to Prof. Dr. Nasim Ahmad, the UVAS has traditionally taken the lead in troubleshooting problems in the dairy, poultry, and livestock industries. He said Pakistan has a large population and quality meat is selling at a very high price, because soybean is not available these days. He said UVAS offers the finest forum for poultry stakeholders to discuss problems and provide suggestions for solutions.

Vice-Chancellor University of Education Lahore Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha asked stakeholders to launch a social media campaign to educate the public on the use of genetically modified organisms for boosting agricultural output, which was not harmful to human health. He also emphasised the need to establish a biosafety committee to help the poultry sector meet the requirements for obtaining a licence to resume soybean imports into Pakistan.

One of the key components in the manufacturing of chicken feed is vegetable meal, which includes soybean, canola, and sunflower meal. The feed maker and commercial importers have to import these meals from various international locations, and in accordance with Pakistani biosafety regulations. The importers must get an environmental licence from the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk