India has approved the import of an additional 5,50,000 tonnes of genetically modified (GM) soymeal to aid the poultry industry, which is suffering from a spike in local prices of the important animal feed. According to the government order, the shipments must be imported before September 30.
After animal feed prices tripled in a year to a record high, the government relaxed import rules in August 2021 to allow the first shipments of 1.2 million tonnes of GM soymeal to help the poultry industry.
Before the deadline for overseas purchases expired on October 31, 2021, traders were able to sign deals for only about 6,50,000 tonnes of soymeal, compared to the allowed 1.2 million.
The government has now approved the importation of the remaining 5,50,000 tonnes of GM soymeal. All India Poultry Breeders Association had requested that the government allow imports of 5,50,000 tonnes of feedstuff in 2021.
The Soybean Processors Association of India, which is opposed to allowing more GM soymeal to be imported, said the government should not allow any lab-altered feedstuff because the country does not allow farmers to grow any GM food products.
About GM Foods:
Foods derived from genetically modified (GM) organisms have had their genetic material (DNA) altered in a way that does not occur naturally, such as by introducing a gene from another organism. "Modern biotechnology" or "gene technology" are common terms for the technology, which is also known as "recombinant DNA technology" or "genetic engineering."
Plant-based GM foods are currently available, but foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM animals are likely to be introduced in the future. The majority of existing genetically modified crops have been developed to increase yield by introducing disease resistance or increased herbicide tolerance. GM foods can also help to lower food prices by increasing yields and ensuring consistency.
