Cheap maize import will hurt “Atmanirbhar Bharat” goals: GEMA
The US is pushing for reduced import duties on GM maize to access India’s market, but India opposes it, citing threats to domestic farmers and food security. Ministries and experts argue it undermines rising maize prices and rural livelihoods. Industry voices urge a focus on domestic hybrid seed development and farmer support, rejecting GM imports to protect the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Ever since the Trump administration 2.0 has taken office, there have been several tariff amendments that the office has initiated. In the latest episode, the US Government is focusing on reduced import duties on maize (corn), particularly genetically modified (GM) varieties. The country which is the top maize exporter in the world wants to penetrate deeper into the Indian maize market.
GM maize is banned for food/feed use, and it is strictly permitted only for limited industrial applications such as ethanol blending.
However, India has strongly objected to the proposal to reduce tariffs, as it feels that reducing import duty on maize will adversely affect the domestic maize producers.
India currently imposes a 15% tariff on imports up to 0.5 Mt/year.
As per media report, the nodal Ministries- Agricultural, animal husbandry, and fisheries ministries have said that it would harm millions of local maize growers, who are currently earning more than the minimum price due to rising demand. Allowing cheaper imports could make local farming unprofitable.
An industry insider stated that lowering the import tariff on maize is essentially a non-issue, as there have been imports from Ukraine and Myanmar last year, at zero duty. For India, imports will stabilise Maize supplies in India, which has seen a high demand on account of fuel blending initiatives and other sectoral demands.
Dr. C.K. Jain, President, Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA), presents a contrary view. He said, “India must not allow GM corn imports, as it would be a direct blow to the livelihoods of millions of our marginal farmers and a major setback to our Atmanirbhar Bharat goals. Agriculture is the backbone of Bharat, with more than 65% of India’s population dependent on agriculture. Any policy decision that discourages domestic crop development, like allowing GM corn imports, which risks destabilising rural incomes and food security.
He added that the grain-based ethanol sector in the last two years has been a ray of hope for the farmers. “Just two years ago, maize was trading around ₹14–₹15/kg. Today, average prices have risen to ₹20–₹22/kg, signalling real income gains for farmers. This momentum should be protected, not disrupted by cheap, imported corn”, he said.
Giving a solution to resolve the current standoff, Jain said that, “Instead of allowing GM corn imports, the focus must remain on supporting hybrid seed development domestically and incentivising maize cultivation through price assurance to the farmer”.
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Source : Chinimandi
