India: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual

India remains undecided on genetically engineered (GE) crops, despite its regulatory authorities clearing on the environmental release of GE eggplant and mustard events. Bt cotton (Bacillus thuringiensis) remains the sole crop derived from biotechnology (biotech) approved for commercial cultivation. Soy and canola oils derived from select GE soy and canola events, along with some food ingredients from microbial biotechnology are approved for import. In August 2021, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry allowed the import of 1.2 million metric tons (MMT) of crushed and de-oiled soy cakes (i.e., soybean meal) derived from GE soybean, establishing a precedent for non-LMO imports. However, India continues to drag its feet on the issue of granting market access for similar products such as distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS) derived from a GE crop (i.e., corn) and imports of GE alfalfa hay.