India imports GM soymeal for struggling poultry sector
To help the local poultry industry struggling from a surge in animal feed prices, India has permitted an additional 550,000 tonnes of genetically modified soymeal to be imported into the country.
According to a government order, the shipments need to be imported before 30 September, reports Reuters.
In August 2021, India’s government relaxed import rules to allow the first shipments of 1.2 million tonnes of genetically modified soymeal. This aimed to assist the poultry industry after animal feed prices tripled in a year to a record high.
However, traders signed deals to import only about 650,000 tonnes of the permitted 1.2 million tonnes of soymeal before the deadline for overseas purchases expired on 31 October 2021.
The government has now allowed traders to import the remainder 550,000 tonnes.
Late last year, the All India Poultry Breeders Association had asked the government to allow imports of 550,000 tonnes of the feedstuff.
Objection from India’s Soybean Processors Association
Opposing the permission to import more GM soymeal, the Soybean Processors Association of India said the government should not allow any lab-altered feedstuff as farmers in the country are not permitted to grow any GM food products.
