SOPA Stands Firm Against GM Soybean Meal Imports Amid Domestic Abundance

The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) urges Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to deny the poultry industry's request to import GM soybean meal. SOPA argues that domestic supply suffices and importing would harm farmers. The association stresses that current price hikes are due to raw material costs, not supply shortages.

The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) has called on Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to dismiss demands from the poultry industry to import genetically modified (GM) soybean meal. The association argues that India has a sufficient supply of the commodity and that imports would negatively impact millions of local farmers.

The poultry industry's plea for imports cites high domestic prices, but SOPA insists this approach disregards the agricultural sector's realities, highlighting that prices are influenced by raw material costs and not controlled by soybean processors. The association reported that soybean prices at the Indore market increased significantly over the past year, driven by rising costs of raw soybeans and international soybean oil prices.

SOPA outlined that India's soybean supply for the 2025-26 marketing year remains robust, with adequate carryover stocks after accounting for domestic consumption and exports. The group warns that allowing imports could lead to foreign exchange outflows and dependence, similar to the edible oil sector, urging the government to prioritize local farmers by maintaining the current import stance.

(With inputs from agencies.)