Import of non-GM sorghum from America to India may begin
16-May-2025 04:24 PM
New Delhi. During ongoing bilateral trade negotiations, the United States had initially pushed for maize exports to India.
However, after India declined to accept genetically modified (GM) maize, the US has shifted its proposal, now offering non-GM sorghum as an alternative feed grain for the Indian market.
This move comes amid rising domestic maize prices, prompting Indian animal feed manufacturers to seek cheaper alternatives.
The President of the Compound Feed Mills Association stated that India’s poultry industry is currently facing rising input costs, which need urgent attention.
Inconsistent supply of raw materials and an unpredictable market environment are major concerns. High prices of maize and soymeal—together accounting for about 90 percent of total feed costs—are putting pressure on the industry's profit margins for the current financial year.
An advisor to the American Grains Council noted that US-grown non-GM sorghum could be a cost-effective substitute for Indian maize.
Currently, Indian maize is priced at $305 per tonne, while American sorghum is available at $163 per tonne. Although a new rabi crop in India may ease maize prices slightly, the cost gap remains significant.
Despite its attractive price, American sorghum faces hurdles entering the Indian market due to a 50 percent import duty, making imports economically unviable.
Additionally, a Pest Risk Assessment (PRA) is required for sorghum imports, and related documentation is still pending with Indian authorities.
The American Grains Council is actively working with the Compound Feed Manufacturers Association to promote sorghum use in Indian animal feed.
Although the Indian government has not yet offered tariff relief or eased non-tariff barriers, it may consider limited imports of non-GM sorghum on a trial basis if the US proposal is deemed favorable.
While GM maize and soybean are widely grown in the US, India prohibits GM crop imports, making non-GM sorghum a potential compromise that could offer some economic relief while aligning with domestic regulatory policies.