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 farmer is not willing to sell at 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.