Soybean Processors Oppose GM Meal Imports, Cite Ample Domestic Supply

• The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) urged Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to reject demands from the poultry industry for GM soybean meal imports.
• SOPA argues that domestic availability of soybean meal is sufficient, and imports would harm millions of Indian farmers and the agricultural sector.
• The association stated that soybean meal prices are market-driven, with raw material costs accounting for 96% of production expenses, linking prices to raw soybean and international soybean oil rates.
• SOPA projects a comfortable supply position for the 2025-26 marketing year, with estimated carryover stocks of 3 lakh tonnes even after meeting domestic demand and exports.
• Allowing imports, SOPA warns, would create dependency risks, lead to significant foreign exchange outflows, worsen the trade deficit, and discourage local soybean cultivation.