|
|
 
|
Indian sugar millers association opposes biotech sugarcane
(Monday, June 30, 2003 -- CropChoice news) -- Financial Express, New Delhi, June 29: The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) is of the
opinion that the country should not grow any genetically modified (GM)
sugarcane, even if the country wants to boost its sugar exports. Instead, it
feels, the country should concentrate more on growing raw sugar - the demand
for which is rising in the global market. In this regard, even the
government should render necessary support and assistance, which are
compatible to WTO agreements, said Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA)
director-general, SL Jain.
Speaking to FE, Mr Jain said “planting of GM sugarcane should be avoided in
the country as many importing countries have started rejecting GM foods. We
are trying to tap new markets in Japan and the Japanese importers have
specifically told us that they would import sugar from India only if we can
assure them that sugar produced in the country are from non-GM canes.”
Mr Jain further said that a Japanese industry delegation led Mr Osamu
Kmikawa of Mitsui & Co and Katswa Fukuda of Mitsubishi Research Institute is
visiting India on July 8, to find out whether any GM canes are being grown
in India.
Japan currently imports about 1.5 million tonne of raw sugar every year from
different countries, baring India. He said that the news of India allowing
commercial cultivation of Bt cotton and planning to release other GM food
crops, has drawn the attention of many importing countries which are averse
to GM foods. The European Union, which imports 10,000 tonne of raw sugar
from India through tariff rate quota (TRQ) regime and if we go for
cultivation of GM canes this market would also be disturbed. It is no secret
that the EU consumers are severely against consumption of GM foods. “We must
be very particular on this issue if we are to sustain our exports and food
security”, Mr Jain said. Therefore, efforts are on to see that EU gives more
market access to Indian sugar. Mr Jain, however, complained that 40 per cent
of the global exports of white sugar are being controlled by EU through
domestic price support regime.
He said that this year India’s sugar exports would be around 1.6 million
tonne as the major market, Bangladesh has virtually stopped importing and
Indonesia has placed strict regulations on imports.
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=37230
| |
