SOPA Urges Ban on GM Soybean Meal Imports to Protect Farmers

The Soybean Processors Association (SOPA) urges the Indian commerce ministry to reject proposals for GM soybean meal imports from the U.S., citing sufficient domestic supplies and potential harm to farmers. SOPA warns that imports could undermine market rates and the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' policy.

The Soybean Processors Association (SOPA) has appealed to the Indian commerce ministry to reject any proposals to import genetically modified (GM) soybean meal from the United States. The industry body argues that India has enough domestic supplies to meet demand for the 2025-26 marketing year.

In a letter addressed to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, SOPA emphasized that allowing GM soybean meal imports could have severe repercussions for India's agricultural sector. The association highlighted that Indian soybean farmers are already affected by low prices and additional imports could further depress market rates.

SOPA also warned that such imports could threaten the domestic soybean processing industry and undermine India's self-reliance strategy. The association called on the government to protect the country's status as a producer of high-quality non-GMO soybean products and avoid including GM soybean meal in trade agreements.

(With inputs from agencies.)