Rice exporters seek Goyal’s intervention on China’s allegation of GMO presence in shipments
TREACG urges India and China to resolve GMO testing differences through dialogue
The Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh (TREACG) has appealed to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for assistance in restoring the registrations of seven Indian rice exporters whose licenses were suspended by China over alleged genetically modified organism (GMO) contamination in their shipments. TREACG emphasized that both the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) have confirmed that GM rice cultivation is prohibited in India.
They also pointed out that the exported rice consignments had undergone the required non-GMO testing and certification processes before being shipped. The association argued that differing GMO-related test results at the destination, despite non-GMO testing at the origin, necessitate a scientific and transparent discussion between authorities of both countries.
TREACG requested Goyal to engage with the Chinese government for a joint technical review, focusing on sampling procedures, GMO testing methods, lab protocols, and applicable standards. They believe that such cooperation could clarify the discrepancies in test results and prevent future incidents, thereby maintaining trust in the India-China rice trade and safeguarding the interests of Indian exporters, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Written by urgent.news from Hindu BusinessLine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
