Niti Aayog Withdraws Paper on GM Crop Imports Amid Biosafety Concerns

Niti Aayog has withdrawn a working paper proposing the import of GM soybean and corn from the US, indicating the government's firm stance against opening India's market to transgenic food products due to biosafety concerns. The move comes despite US pressure in trade talks and Niti Aayog's assessment that such imports could be allowed without harming domestic production. India currently permits commercial cultivation of only one GM crop, transgenic cotton, and the government's position aligns with the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.

New Delhi: Niti Aayog has withdrawn a working paper advocating for the import of genetically modified (GM) soybean and corn from the US, reflecting India's firm stance against transgenic food items. This move comes amidst ongoing US trade negotiations and despite Niti Aayog's argument for such imports without disrupting domestic production [1].

The working paper, titled 'promoting India-US agricultural trade under the new US trade regime', had suggested that GM corn could be imported for ethanol blending and its by-products, such as Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles. The authors, Raka Saxena and Ramesh Chand, argued that US corn is cheaper and could help meet India's biofuel targets without harming local food and feed markets [1].

However, the withdrawal of the paper indicates the government's concern over biosafety issues and aligns with the opposition from groups like Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM). India currently allows commercial cultivation of only transgenic cotton, a non-food crop, and the government's position is in sync with SJM's opposition to GM farm products [1].

The withdrawal also reflects a broader approach to trade negotiations with the US. India has maintained a surplus in agriculture trade with the US, with exports growing nearly fivefold between 2004 and 2024, from $1.18 billion to $5.75 billion, while imports grew from $291 million to $2,218 million in the same period [1].

The government's decision to prioritize domestic production and biosafety concerns over potential economic gains from GM imports underscores its commitment to sustainable and safe agricultural practices.

References:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/niti-withdraws-paper-on-gm-crops-import-from-us-signals-govt-stand/articleshow/123196591.cms