US pressures India to buy GM corn

17-Oct-2025 06:59 PM

New Delhi. The US is experiencing robust corn production, but a shortage of buyers is worrying producers. Last year, corn production exceeded 15 billion bushels, or 383 million tons, leaving a large exportable stock after domestic consumption.

This year, there are signs of a robust production, but buyers are again lacking. New corn shipments have already begun arriving. In the 2024-25 marketing season, the US exported 62 million tons of corn worth $13.70 billion.

In the current 2025-26 marketing season, two major importing countries—China and Mexico—are not enthusiastic about purchasing US corn, which is likely to increase US corn producers' resentment against the Trump administration.

The administration is seeking alternative markets and targeting India. India is currently nearly self-sufficient in maize production, and the import, production, use, and trade of GM maize is strictly prohibited. In the United States, 96 percent of maize produced is GM, while only 4 percent is conventional.

Although some advocate for allowing the import of American GM maize solely for use in ethanol production, the government fears that if a large import of cheap American maize begins, Indian farmers could suffer significant losses. Furthermore, there is a risk that American GM maize could reach Indian farms.

India produces approximately 35-36 million tons of maize annually. Previously, India exported a significant amount to foreign countries, but due to increasing demand in the ethanol industry, exports have now virtually ceased.

However, high market prices are generating good incomes for farmers, and their enthusiasm for maize cultivation remains intact.