India's US Trade Agreement: Animal Feed Imports Ignite Farmer Protests Over GM Concerns
In a significant trade development, India has maintained its protective stance on genetically modified (GM) corn and soybeans from the United States but has agreed to import specific agricultural products, including dried distillers' grains (DDGs) and red sorghum for animal feed, alongside tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, and soybean oil. This decision, while aimed at bolstering the livestock sector, has immediately sparked criticism and unease among various farmer organizations across the country.
Farm Groups Voice Strong Opposition to GM-Linked Imports
Farm organizations have raised alarms, pointing out that DDGs, a high-protein byproduct of corn ethanol production, predominantly originate from GM corn cultivated in the US. They argue that this move could introduce genetically modified materials into India's agricultural ecosystem, despite existing restrictions. Additionally, these groups have questioned the allowance of soybean oil imports, noting that the US primarily produces a transgenic variety of soybeans. They warn that such imports could severely impact the livelihoods of millions of Indian soybean farmers by undercutting local markets.
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), an organization linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has joined the chorus of dissent, demanding clear clarifications from the government on these import policies. Representatives from ASHA-Kisan Swaraj, Kirankumar Vissa and Kavitha Kuruganti, have voiced strong opposition, stating, "We strongly oppose the import of GM food and feed products from the US under the garb of this trade agreement, particularly soybean oil and DDGs which would mostly come from GM maize."
Government Officials Defend the Agreement, Assuring Farmer Safety
In response to the growing concerns, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the media, explaining that the inclusion of DDGs was based on suggestions from India's animal husbandry sector, which seeks higher-quality and more affordable feed options. He emphasized that the trade agreement explicitly prohibits the import of GM food into India. Regarding DDGs, Goyal asserted that after processing, any characteristics of genetic modification are completely eliminated, rendering the product safe for use.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan further reinforced the government's position, stating with confidence, "As agriculture minister, I can say with pride that the interests of our farmers have been fully safeguarded, whether it is with regard to basmati, rice, spices or textiles." He added, "As per the agreement reached with the US, all our crops are safe. No maize, wheat, rice, soybean, poultry products, milk, cheese, ethanol, fuel or tobacco will come from US."
Underlying Tensions Over Non-Tariff Barriers and Farmer Incomes
Critics have interpreted a clause in the joint statement—"India also agrees to address long-standing non-tariff barriers to the trade in US food and agricultural products"—as coded language for potentially lifting restrictions on GM food crops and products in the future. This has fueled fears among farm outfits that the current import approvals for DDGs and red sorghum could set a precedent, eventually affecting the incomes of millions of farmers who grow crops for animal fodder and feed.
Mohini Mohan Mishra, the all-India general secretary of BKS, has called for greater transparency, urging the government to present its stance on these issues with more clarity to alleviate farmer anxieties. The debate highlights a delicate balance between enhancing trade relations with the US and protecting the interests of India's vast agricultural community, with ongoing discussions likely to shape future policy decisions in this sector.
