China rejects 3 Indian rice shipments citing GMO concerns
25-Mar-2026 10:43 AM
China rejects 3 Indian rice shipments citing GMO concerns
★ China has rejected three consignments of non-basmati rice from India, alleging the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMO). Notably, these shipments had already been inspected and cleared by a Chinese agency before dispatch.
★ India does not permit commercial cultivation of any GM food crops, yet objections were raised at the clearance stage, raising concerns among exporters.
★ Exporters have approached APEDA and ICAR seeking intervention. They are requesting an official declaration confirming that rice grown in India is non-GMO to avoid such issues in future shipments.
★ This move could be part of China’s trade strategy, as such requirements are not being imposed on other competing countries.
India exported around 180,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice to China in 2024-25. Although the volume is relatively small, the market is considered important and growing.