BKS Opposes GM Crops, Criticizes NITI Aayog Member’s Support
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), an affiliate of the RSS, has strongly opposed any promotion of genetically modified (GM) crops, reacting to recent comments by NITI Aayog Member Ramesh Chand supporting GM technology.
BKS has consistently maintained its stance against GM crops. Their opposition has become more vocal amid reports that the U.S. government is pressuring India to import GM soyabean and corn.
“Why do we need GM crops at all? We should stop all discussions and experiments on them once and for all,” said BKS General Secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra in a statement to BusinessLine.
GM Soyabean to Double Production?
Chand recently told the media that India should consider allowing GM crops, especially to reduce dependence on edible oil imports. He said GM soyabean could potentially double production. In the 2024–25 season, India harvested 15.13 million tonnes of soyabean from 12.94 million hectares, with an average yield of 1.17 tonnes per hectare.
Mishra called Chand’s comments “astonishing,” pointing out that Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has previously said GM crops raise several unresolved concerns from farmers, scientists, and consumers. “Unless these are addressed, GM crops will not be allowed,” he added.
Mishra also demanded that Chand withdraw or correct his statement, saying it contradicts the official positions of the Agriculture Ministry and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). “If he made such a statement, he should have been aware of these positions. The lack of coordination within the government is troubling,” he said.
Bt Cotton and Biodiversity Concerns
BKS also raised concerns about Bt cotton, saying its success only lasted for 2–3 years. Mishra claimed that all crop diversity has since disappeared and production has dropped.
When asked why BKS is against the BG-III GM technology, he said, “It’s just a gimmick. BG-III is herbicide-tolerant and depends on glyphosate, a chemical linked to cancer and loss of biodiversity. It’s dangerous for human health and the environment.”
The Debate Around Edible Oil Imports
Industry experts have said that soyabean oil is imported because it does not contain GM content—only soyameal does. In 2020, FSSAI issued rules that require importers to provide certificates proving the food products come from non-GM sources.
Mishra criticized this, pointing out that 80% of GM corn and soya in the U.S. is used for animal feed, and the remaining 20% is used for ethanol production. “If they’re using it for animals, are we animals in India? Aren’t we humans?” he asked.
He also questioned the idea of importing GM corn for ethanol, saying, “Why should we import it? Are we not capable of producing enough ourselves?”
Supporting Indian Farmers Over Imports
Mishra argued that if Indian farmers are given better prices and assured procurement, they will grow enough to meet national demand—without needing GM crops.
“Our farmers can produce whatever the country needs—whether it’s rice, wheat, vegetables, fruits, fish, or milk—without GM crops,” he said.
He further alleged that vested interests have kept pulses and edible oils in a weak production position. He criticized the fact that coconut oil is not officially considered a cooking oil, and raised concerns about oil adulteration under the name of blending.
“Why has FSSAI allowed the sale of adulterated oils as ‘blended oils’? If we stop such practices and ensure procurement, our country can become self-sufficient in pulses and edible oils,” he said. Mishra called on all state governments to implement guaranteed procurement policies for oilseeds and pulses.
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