New Delhi, Apr 27 (PTI) Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) on Wednesday urged the government not to allow import of genetically modified soyabean meal as it will adversely impact the local processors and farmers.
“We understand that the poultry industry, citing high prices of soybean meal in India, has once again requested the government that they should be permitted to import GM (Genetically Modified)Soybean Meal.
“The suggestion for further import of GM soybean meal by some traders and poultry industry will be totally counter-productive,” SOPA Chairman Davish Jain said in a letter.
In the letter written to Animal Husbandry Secretary Atul Chaturvedi, he alleged that the poultry industry projects a demand of 90 lakh tonnes of soybean meal which is totally wrong and is not supported by facts.
“This inflated demand is being given only to make a case for imports,” Jain said.
According to the association, there will be carryover stock of almost 20 lakh tonnes of uncrushed soybean at the end of the season in September 2022.
“Under the circumstances, there is no justification for import of soybean meal. Higher prices of soybean and soybean meal is a reality which has to be accepted, as the farmer is not willing to sell at the prices of yesteryears,” Jain said.
The association pointed out that India is suffering in terms of edible oil supply because of the policy of depending on imports and not making enough efforts to increase oilseed production.
“If we import soybean meal also, this will be opening up another big door for imports for future, running into billions of dollars,” the letter said.
Import of soybean meal will help only one industry at the cost of another industry and millions of farmers will be discouraged from growing soybean, Jain argued.
“The motive for the request is short term profit, ignoring the fundamentals. We strongly oppose any move to import GM soybean meal and would like to present our views in person on this subject,” he added.
Addressing a press conference, SOPA Executive Director D N Pathak said the imported soybean meal is cheaper at around Rs 58,000 per tonnes while the domestic prices are ruling at Rs 62,000-63,000 per tonnes.
However, any such import will adversely impact farmers and soybean processors, he pointed out.
“The domestic crop of soybean is higher by 25-26 lakh tonnes this year. Soybean meal exports is estimated to decline to 10 lakh tonnes in 2021-22 marketing year from 20 lakh tonnes last year. So, there is no supply crunch,” Pathak said while demanding that the imports should not be allowed.
Last year, the government allowed imports of 12 lakh tonnes of genetically modified crushed and de-oiled soya cake, used as livestock feed, and 6 lakh tonnes were imported, Pathak said.
“We did not oppose last year, as there was a short supply. But that is not the case this year,” he said. PTI MJH RAM
