India may have agreed to non-GM soybean, corn imports from US in trade deal: Niti Aayog's Chand.

India May Have Agreed to Non-GM Soybean, Corn Imports from US in Trade Deal: Niti Aayog’s Chand

India may be moving closer to allowing non-genetically modified (non-GM) soybean and corn imports from the United States as part of a trade negotiation package, according to Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member of Niti Aayog and a key voice on agricultural policy.

Speaking at a policy forum, Chand revealed that discussions between India and the US are progressing, and import of non-GM agricultural commodities like soybean and corn could be part of a larger bilateral trade deal. This comes amid India’s growing need to stabilize domestic feedstock prices and meet protein demand, especially for the poultry and livestock industries.

Key Highlights

Non-GM Clause Critical: India has a longstanding restriction against GM food imports. Any deal involving soybean and corn would strictly be limited to non-GM variants.

Trade Talks in Focus: The development is part of ongoing Indo-US trade discussions, likely to include agriculture, tariffs, digital trade, and market access.

Poultry Industry Relief: The domestic poultry sector has been seeking government approval to import protein-rich animal feed ingredients amid supply gaps and rising costs.

Implications for Indian Agriculture and Trade

Domestic Price Stabilization:
The import of non-GM corn and soybean could help ease domestic prices, especially during periods of low harvest or high demand.

Regulatory Shift Possibility:
While GM crops remain contentious, this move may mark a pragmatic softening of India’s trade position without compromising its anti-GM policy stance.

Boost to Indo-US Relations:
Approving these imports could help resolve long-standing friction points in bilateral trade, opening doors for deeper agricultural cooperation.

Concerns from Farmers' Groups:
Some domestic farmer unions are likely to oppose the decision, fearing it could affect local crop prices and production incentives.

Context and Background

India has historically banned GM crop imports due to concerns about biosafety, consumer health, and farmers' rights. However, the demand for affordable feedstock has intensified as food inflation remains a concern.

Recent US trade delegations have reportedly pressed India to relax its stance on select agricultural imports, especially where non-GM certifications can be provided.

FAQs

Q1: Has India officially agreed to import non-GM soy and corn from the US?
No formal announcement has been made. However, Niti Aayog’s Ramesh Chand has indicated it is being seriously considered as part of a trade deal.

Q2: Why is India considering these imports now?
To reduce feedstock shortages, support the poultry and livestock industries, and strengthen trade ties with the US.

Q3: Will these imports include genetically modified (GM) crops?
No, India is expected to maintain its ban on GM food imports. Only non-GM certified soybean and corn may be allowed.

Q4: What sectors in India will benefit from this move?
Mainly the poultry, dairy, and animal husbandry sectors, which depend on affordable, protein-rich feed ingredients.

Q5: Could this impact domestic farmers?
Yes, some farmer groups fear that cheaper imports could hurt local growers' profitability, especially during harvest season.

Published : On 9th July
Published : Pankaj

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