GENETICALLY MODIFIED OILSEEDS TO BE IMPORTED
The world's largest importer of edible oils, may allow imports of genetically modified (GMO) oilseeds to meet a domestic shortfall. According to Union Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mr Sharad Pawar, this decision will be taken by keeping in mind the interests of local farmers. India, which is the globe’s fourth largest vegetable oil and oilseeds economy, though doesn't allow the import of GMO seeds imposes a 30 per cent duty on it, which traders say is quite expensive. In order to overcome this shortage, Pawar further commented that while there is an urgent need of encouraging the imports of high oil content oilseeds and genetically modified oilseeds, the interests of Indian farmers will be rightfully protected.