New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- In the ongoing trade talks, the US has been pressing India to open up imports of genetically modified (GM) crops such as corn and soybean. Both are among the major crops grown on large areas across India.

Behind New Delhi's reluctance to open up the markets is dismal productivity, which makes these crops uncompetitive. Besides, can India allow imports when its own farmers are denied access to transgenic technology? Mint explains.

GM corn and soy are among the major crops grown by US farmers. Both these crops are also among the country's major farm exports. In the calendar year 2024, the US exported soybean worth $24.7 billion, with over half of the sales coming from its largest buyer, China. Corn exports in 2024 we...