The Alliance for a Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) Kisan Swaraj, a coalition of farmers’ groups and agricultural scientists promoting sustainable farming, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to allow the import of genetically modified (GM) crops and US milk and dairy products into India.
“We write to you with deep concern about reports suggesting that, during the final stages of trade negotiations with the United States, the Indian government is being pressured to allow the import of GM crops and US dairy products,” said Kavitha Kuruganti and Ananthasayanan, leaders of ASHA Kisan Swaraj.
In their letter to the Prime Minister, they emphasized that India has consistently opposed the commercial cultivation and import of GM food crops, based on scientific caution, legal safeguards, and strong public opposition.
They stressed that introducing GM crops through trade should not be negotiable. “Allowing such imports would violate India’s national laws, including the Environment Protection Act of 1986 and the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, which require thorough biosafety testing and approval before any GM crop can be imported, sold, or cultivated,” they wrote.
They argued that importing GM corn, soy, or other commodities would directly undermine this legal framework. Also Read | BKS Opposes GM Crops, Criticizes NITI Aayog Member’s Support
The alliance noted that India has never agreed to include GM crops in any trade agreement. Allowing them now would weaken regulatory institutions, damage the credibility of the judiciary, and give multinational corporations undue influence over India’s food policies in future trade talks.
They also highlighted that the long-term health and environmental impacts of GM crops are still debated worldwide.
“Most countries either ban or strictly regulate GM crop cultivation. India, with its rich biodiversity and farming systems based on small farmers, cannot afford these irreversible risks,” they warned.
Concerns about US dairy products
ASHA Kisan Swaraj also expressed serious concerns about the potential import of US milk and dairy products, stating that it poses significant threats to both consumer safety and rural livelihoods.
They pointed out that US dairy production often uses recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH), which has been banned in many countries and is prohibited in India.
Moreover, they warned that flooding Indian markets with cheap, subsidised US dairy products would harm millions of rural households. “Over 10 crore Indian families depend on dairy for their livelihood. Allowing these imports would destroy local economies and worsen rural distress,” they said.
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