India must embrace genetically modified (GM) edible oil crops to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce its import dependence, said Niti Aayog member and noted agriculture economist Ramesh Chand. He stressed the need for modern technologies like GM varieties to boost agricultural productivity and suggested strict labelling norms to protect consumer choice.
“India cannot afford to rely solely on conventional agricultural methods if it wants to meet growing demand and reduce imports,” Chand told The Economic Times. “Adopting GM technology in crops like soybean can potentially double yields or boost them by 70–80%.”
India is the world’s largest importer of edible oils, with imports touching 16 million tonnes in 2023–24. Chand pointed out that despite decades of cultivation, India’s soybean yields have remained largely stagnant. In contrast, the United States, which began using GM technology over 50 years ago, now has yields three times higher than India.
Citing China’s recent shift in stance, Chand noted that the country, once hesitant about GM crops, has now released 75 GM varieties. “We cannot increase productivity by expanding the cultivated area—our only viable route is through technology,” he said.
India has so far approved only Bt cotton for commercial cultivation. GM mustard was granted approval by the environment ministry in 2022, but the matter is currently under judicial scrutiny. On April 15, the Supreme Court began hearing petitions challenging the approval and had earlier directed the government to frame a national policy on GM crops.
Chand suggested that India could also explore strategic trade arrangements with countries like the US, allowing for the import or joint processing of GM oilseeds such as soybeans and corn. “We can extract oil here and re-export the cake, or import processed oil under favourable terms,” he proposed, adding that clear labelling of GM produce would address consumer sensitivities.
Speaking on the broader state of Indian agriculture, Chand said that the last decade had seen historic growth. “For the first time, farm sector income has grown at the same rate as non-farm sectors,” he said. However, he acknowledged that agricultural reforms introduced earlier were politically untenable and had to be rolled back.
Yet, he emphasized that the future of Indian agriculture lies in reforms and greater private sector participation. “States that have not embraced these reforms are witnessing stagnation in key segments of production,” he said.
Chand concluded by highlighting the need for a nuanced approach: “We have to be imaginative—GM technology can open a window for self-reliance while respecting public sentiment through informed labelling and responsible implementation.”