ThePrint CutTheClutter: India’s chronic oil production crisis, GMO seeds myth & how agri trade with US is the way forward
Jul 2, 2025
India faces a serious oil production crisis, heavily reliant on $20 billion worth of edible oil imports. The podcast delves into the myths surrounding GMO seeds and the technological advancements needed to improve local agriculture. The discussion highlights how trade with the US, particularly in soybean oil, could alleviate this crisis. It also addresses public apprehension about biotechnology, stressing the need to bridge ideological gaps with scientific understanding to foster agricultural self-reliance.
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India's Dual Oil Dependency
- India imports 58% of its edible oil while importing 88% of crude oil, revealing a chronic dependence on imported oils for both energy and food needs.
- This dual oil dependency highlights a strategic vulnerability affecting economic and diplomatic domains.
Trade Dynamics with US Soybean Oil
- The US wants India to increase soybean oil imports to reduce its trade deficit but India currently relies heavily on imports from Indonesia and Brazil.
- India's hesitation stems partly from the lack of US local oil extraction facilities and geopolitical trade dynamics involving China.
GMO Seed Import and Oil Extraction
- India could import GMO soybean seeds from the US, extract oil domestically, and export the leftover meal to balance trade.
- This method avoids direct GMO oil import concerns, ensuring food safety and supporting local industry expansion near ports.