GM Soymeal

In news- Centre has decided to allow the import of crushed genetically modified soybean, which is a major ingredient of poultry feed.

Key updates-

Soybean meal is a key protein feed material for fish, shrimp, cattle, dairy and poultry farmers.
Shortage in feed availability, poor harvest and exorbitant prices charged by major corporations has resulted in a surge in soymeal prices that is hurting livestock farmers, as poultry feed makes up 65% of the cost of production for the farmer.
On August 10, 2021, the Department of Animal Husbandry notified the Customs department that soymeal and oil cake from GM soy would be permitted for import.
The Coalition for a GM-Free India, which includes consumer rights groups and sustainable farming groups, has termed the decision “highly objectionable and legally untenable”.
It has noted that the 1989 rules of the Environment Protection Act applied not just to GM organisms, but also products and substances thereof.
A 2007 amendment exempting foodstuffs derived from GMOs if the end product was not a living organism cannot be applied in this case as it refers to animal feed and not foodstuffs.
GM import proposals are examined by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Environment Ministry for making a recommendation to either accept or reject the proposal.
The GEAC is yet to consider the proposal for import of soymeal.