Importing genetically-modified (GM) farm products from the US as part of the India-US trade pact can harm India’s agri exports to the European Union (EU), warned think tank, Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) on Saturday.
India and the US are engaged in discussions on a mini-trade deal finalisation before the July 9 deadline by US President Donald Trump, after which the US will impose a 26 per cent tariff rate on Indian exports along with the baseline 10 per cent tariff in existence.
Allowing the import of GM products such as soybean meal and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) for animal feed to the EU may lead to cross-contamination in agricultural products that are GM-free, adversely impacting India’s exports to the region.
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The EU, a key destination for Indian exporters, has strong consumer resistance to GM-linked products. The region has also laid down strict rules regarding GM labelling. Even though GM feed is permitted, many European buyers prefer fully GM-free supply chains.
DDGS, often used as animal feed, is a by-product made during ethanol production, usually from corn or other grains like rice.
Pointing to India’s fragmented agri-logistics and lack of segregation infrastructure, GTRI founder, Ajay Srivastava, said that the danger of cross-contamination of GM and non-GM agro products risks trace GM presence in export consignments.
“This could lead to shipment rejections, higher testing costs, and erosion of India’s GMO-free image, especially in sensitive sectors like rice, tea, honey, spices, and organic foods. Without robust traceability and labeling systems, GM feed imports could hurt India’s export competitiveness in the EU,” he said.
Genetically-modified crops are created by inserting specific genes, often from bacteria, viruses, other plants, or occasionally animals, into a plant’s DNA to introduce new traits, such as pest resistance or herbicide tolerance.
For instance, the BT gene from the bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis enables the plant to produce a protein toxic to certain pests. Other genes, including those from soil bacteria, have been used to make crops resistant to herbicides, he said.
While genetically-engineered crops are biologically plant-based and function as vegetarian food, the fact that some contain genes of animal origin means they may not be acceptable to communities or individuals that adhere strictly to religious or ethical definitions of vegetarianism.
Srivastava said research suggests that GM DNA is broken down during digestion and does not enter the animal’s meat, milk, or produce, making foods like milk or chicken classify as non-GMO despite the animals being fed GM feed.
“However, critics argue that this blurs the line for consumers who wish to avoid GM-associated products entirely,” he added.
In fact, seeds harvested from genetically-modified crops are usually deemed not reusable due to legal and biological reasons.
“They are patented and sold under contracts that prohibit saving and replanting. Even if reused, many GM crops are hybrids, and their saved seeds often perform poorly. In India, Bt cotton is the only approved GM crop, and while farmers have tried reusing its seeds, results are substandard,” Srivastava said.
Also, the risk of contamination remains a concern worldwide since GM and non-GM crops can intermingle at various points in the supply chain, especially during transport, storage, or processing.
“No GM food crop is commercially cultivated, although experimental trials are ongoing. Import of GM soybean oil and canola oil are permitted,” said the GTRI report, adding that imports of GM grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and similar food/feed products are also not allowed.
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