Trade Talks, Ethanol Policy, and Seed Regulation Put India’s Non-GM Stance to Test
New Delhi: In recent weeks, maize has re-emerged as a critical topic in India’s policy landscape. With U.S. trade negotiations, ambitious ethanol blending goals, seed regulation updates, and farmer income concerns all intertwined, maize has shifted from a simple crop to a strategic national issue. Each development may appear routine alone, but together they indicate growing pressure to revisit India’s non-GM maize stance. While no formal policy has been amended, the evolving discussions deserve close scrutiny—especially since most U.S. maize is genetically modified.
The question before India is not technical alone. It is moral, economic, and deeply connected to national priorities. It concerns food security, farmer dignity, rural livelihoods, and India’s sovereign right to choose its agricultural path. At international negotiating tables, maize is often discussed as a commodity. In Indian villages, maize is a livelihood. This difference must always remain at the centre of policy thinking. Recent discussions around ethanol blending have further intensified the maize debate. India’s achievement of higher ethanol blending targets has rightly been seen as a success in energy planning. As maize is increasingly projected as a feedstock for ethanol, some voices have suggested imports as a supplementary option. These discussions must be approached with caution. Ethanol policy should strengthen domestic agriculture, not unintentionally weaken it.
India has maintained regulatory safeguards on genetically modified crops, including maize. Imports of GM maize remain restricted, and approvals require rigorous regulatory processes. This reflects a policy approach that prioritises biosafety and public interest while continuing to explore ways to enhance domestic production. At the same time, ground realities faced by farmers cannot be ignored. In parts of Karnataka, including Belagavi district, adverse weather conditions led to crop damage, reduced quality, and distress sales. Farmers faced delayed procurement and weak market support, even without any influx of imported maize. These incidents underline the need to strengthen procurement systems, price assurance, and timely intervention mechanisms.
If cheaper imported maize were to enter the market, price pressure could intensify further. Procurement agencies may slow down, private buyers may bargain harder, and farmers growing non-GM maize could face greater uncertainty. These are risks that deserve careful evaluation before any policy recalibration. Importantly, the Government of India has repeatedly highlighted the country’s potential to significantly increase maize production through non-GM pathways. Advances in conventional breeding, climate resilient crops, improved agronomic practices, irrigation efficiency, and mechanisation have already delivered results. With sustained investment in public research institutions, extension services, and seed quality systems, India can meet growing demand without compromising its non-GM position.
India’s non-GM maize today is strong, adaptable, and suitable for diverse agro climatic regions. The assumption that genetic modification is the only route to productivity does not align with India’s agricultural experience. Strengthening domestic capability through Indian scientists, Indian seed companies, and Indian farmers builds resilience and reduces long term dependency. Another important aspect of the current discussion is regulatory clarity. India’s regulatory framework for genetically modified crops has often been criticised for slow decision making and lack of transparency. While efficiency improvements are necessary, regulatory caution has also acted as a safeguard against irreversible decisions taken without adequate public consultation. Clear, transparent, and science-based regulation is essential to maintain public trust. The Draft Seeds Bill 2025 seeks to modernise seed regulation by improving quality control, registration, and accountability. These objectives are welcome, especially for farmers who have long suffered due to spurious seeds. For non-GM maize, effective implementation of this Bill can improve traceability, strengthen seed reliability, and encourage genuine innovation. Farmer seed rights and domestic breeding efforts must remain protected in both letter and spirit.
Ethanol expansion also needs balanced planning. India has several alternatives beyond imported maize, including domestic maize, damaged grains, agricultural residues, and second-generation ethanol technologies. Short term efficiency should not override long term food and farmer security. Energy security must move forward alongside food security, not at its cost. Choosing non-GM maize is not an emotional decision. It is a strategic choice based on economics, ecology, and ethics. Non-GM maize protects farmer autonomy and seed choice. It preserves biodiversity and reduces the risk of irreversible genetic contamination. It allows India to develop premium domestic and export markets where non-GM status is valued. Above all, it safeguards national sovereignty over seeds and food systems. Global demand for non-GM maize continues to remain strong. India has the opportunity to position itself as a reliable and responsible supplier if it protects this identity today. Once lost, such an advantage cannot be easily regained.
By Dr. Mamtamayi Priyadarshini
Environmentalist, Social Worker, and Author of Maize Mandate
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