Cheaper US soybeans could devastate Indian farmers, says SOPA

DN Pathak, Executive Director of the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA), said that India faces pressure to absorb part of the 25 million tonne of US soybeans that China is no longer buying. “To suddenly find a new market for such a huge quantity is a great job, and there will be pressure on India to accept some of it,” he said.Pathak cautioned that opening the door to such imports could devastate India’s 12 million hectares of soybean cultivation and the livelihoods of 5–7 million farmers, with ripple effects on a $6–8 billion industry.

He stated that domestic soybeans already struggle at prices below the minimum support price (MSP), while US soybeans are significantly cheaper, making it impossible for Indian farmers to compete.

He also ruled out the possibility of GM soybean imports, saying that allowing them would only worsen farmer distress and employment losses.Also Read | Specialty chemicals may weather US tariff impact better than commodity players: HDFC Securities

On imports from Africa, however, Pathak was less concerned. These volumes are small and priced closer to Indian levels, unlike US soybeans that risk flooding the market and crashing prices.

For the entire interview, watch the accompanying video

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