Emphasis on protecting the interests of Indian farmers in trade talks with America

08-Jul-2025 10:41 AM

New Delhi. In the ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States, the US is pushing for greater access to its genetically modified (GM) crops, especially maize, in the Indian market.

However, India currently bans the import, production, trade, and use of GM maize. Amid this, the Union Agriculture Minister has emphasized that protecting the interests of Indian farmers will remain the top priority in the trade discussions.

Speaking after attending the 11th Maize Conference in New Delhi, the Agriculture Minister assured that the outcome of the trade talks will not negatively impact Indian farmers and that every effort will be made to safeguard their interests.

In his address at the conference, the Minister reiterated that India currently produces about 423 lakh tonnes of maize annually and aims to more than double this to 860 lakh tonnes by 2047.

He highlighted the need to increase the national average maize yield from 3.70 tonnes per hectare and raise the starch content in maize from the current level of 65–70 percent to at least 72 percent.

An interim trade agreement with the US is required by July 9, 2025. Failing that, the US may raise import duties on Indian products.

Similar actions were taken by the US against Japan and South Korea when trade negotiations failed, with a 25 percent import duty imposed on their goods. India has expressed reservations over several US proposals, as they would require amendments to domestic laws and regulations.

Some analysts in India have suggested allowing GM maize imports solely for ethanol production, though the government has not yet taken a final decision on the matter.