Pakistan's Non-GMO Corn Struggles for Premium Prices Amid Storage Woes

Pakistan's non-genetically modified (non-GMO) corn is struggling to earn premium prices in international markets due to poor harvesting, handling and storage practices.

According to Muhammad Daniyal, Country Head and Head of Grains and Oilseeds at the Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), the quality of the corn does not cause the lower prices. Instead, excess moisture and other impurities reduce its value.

Daniyal notes that Pakistan has strong potential to increase agricultural production and expand exports, but better post-harvest management is needed to fully benefit from this potential. The country's irrigation system provides an advantage, but it lacks the basic infrastructure required to protect the quality of the crops after harvest.