NITI Aayog Retracts Statement on GM Crop Imports from US

11-Aug-2025 05:23 PM

New Delhi. NITI Aayog recently withdrew its statement (working paper) in which it was suggested to open the Indian market for import of GM corn and soybean from America.

In fact, NITI Aayog had to withdraw its statement after the Indian government drew a red line on transgenic food products. Although in bilateral trade talks with India, America has repeatedly insisted that India should eliminate non-tariff trade barriers / controls on GM products, but India has refused to accept it.

A team of American negotiators is going to visit India on 25 August and there is minimal possibility of any change in India's stand in the proposed sixth round of talks for bilateral trade agreement with them.

NITI Aayog had said in its suggestion that import of GM soybean and corn from America should be considered without affecting domestic production so that the path for a trade agreement can be made easier.

It is noteworthy that on the issue of promoting India-US agricultural trade under the new US trade measure, NITI Aayog had released its working paper in May 2025, in which it was suggested that import of GM corn can be allowed for the ethanol blending program.

This will also help in increasing the availability of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS). American corn is cheaper and can be used to achieve India's biofuel target.

This will also not harm the local crude and feed market. Although it was said in the working paper that these suggestions are only the personal views of the paper preparers,

but when the government indicated to take a tough stand on GM crops, NITI Aayog removed it from its website. At present, BT cotton is the only agricultural product in India whose commercial production has been allowed.