May 2, 2022

India approves imports of 550,000 tonnes of GM soymeal

India has approved the import of an additional 550,000 tonnes of genetically modified (GM) soymeal for its domestic poultry sector affected by soaring prices of livestock feed, Reuters reported.

The shipments must be imported before September 30, according to a government order seen by Reuters.

In August 2021, the Indian government relaxed import laws to permit the first shipments of 1.2 million tonnes of GM soymeal to assist the poultry sector after livestock feed prices increased three times to a record high.

Traders only managed to import about 650,000 tonnes of soymeal before the deadline for shipments closed on October 31, 2021.

The government will now permit traders to purchase the remainder 550,000 tonnes of GM soymeal.

This followed a request by the All India Poultry Breeders Association. The association called on the government to allow imports of the remaining 550,000 tonnes of soymeal.

The Soybean Processors Association of India opposed the imports, citing that the government does not allow lab-altered feedstuff as it is illegal for Indian farmers to grow GM food products.

-      Reuters