Import of GM soybeans into India should not be allowed at all, say processors

Processors on Friday urged the government not to allow the import of genetically modified (GM) soybeans, saying the influx of the cheap foreign oilseed crop would not only harm the interests of Indian farmers, but would also increase dependence on other countries for edible oil and protein.

"We want to strongly state that the import of GM soybeans into India should not be allowed under any circumstances. We have already conveyed our views to the government," said D N Pathak, Executive Director of the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA).

"If cheap GM soybeans from top producers like the US, Brazil, and Argentina come to India, who will buy soybeans from domestic farmers?" he asked while talking to reporters at the International Soy Conclave in Indore.


Pathak claimed that if GM soybean imports are allowed, India will become completely dependent on these countries for its edible oil and protein needs.

SOPA president Naresh Goenka said India imports 57 per cent of its edible oil needs, and this poses the biggest challenge to self-sufficiency.

He maintained the government can address this challenge by promoting soybean cultivation in the country.

Goenka said achieving self-sufficiency in edible oil and protein requires adopting a stable import duty policy and promoting non-GM soybean meal produced in the international market.

Currently, India allows imports of only non-genetically modified soybeans. Soybean is a major source of vegetable oil, protein, and animal feed. GM crops are plants whose genetic material is altered using genetic engineering.

At the conference, processors demanded an integrated policy to increase soybean production by providing improved seeds and modern agricultural techniques to farmers, and to expand the acreage of this oilseed crop across the country.

They emphasised the need to promote soybean consumption as a source of vegetarian protein.

Processors demanded exemption of soybean meal exported from the country from the market tax levied by state governments.

They also sought adequate government incentives in logistics (freight transportation and supply chain management) and other areas for Indian soybean meal exports to compete with the US, Brazil and Argentina in the international market.