GTRI warns against US GM farm imports, cites risk to India's agri exports

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has issued a cautionary statement regarding the potential import of genetically modified (GM) farm products from the United States, highlighting concerns over risks to India's agricultural export market. This warning comes as India and the US engage in discussions for an interim trade agreement. The GTRI emphasizes that accepting GM imports could compromise India's standing as a supplier of non-GM agricultural products, which is a crucial aspect of its export identity. The concerns revolve around the possibility that introducing GM products could lead to cross-contamination, thereby affecting the purity of India's non-GM exports. Such a scenario could diminish India's competitiveness in markets that strictly regulate or ban GM products. The GTRI suggests that maintaining stringent import policies is vital to safeguarding India's agricultural sector, which has built a reputation on organic and non-GM produce. As negotiations progress, experts urge careful consideration of long-term implications on trade dynamics. The GTRI's warning serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in trade agreements, where economic opportunities must be weighed against potential risks to existing markets. The outcome of these discussions could have significant ramifications for India's agricultural export strategy and its position in the global market.

— Authored by Next24 Live