India should import soyabean to meet local demand: USDA

India should allow import of soyabean and use innovative technologies including GM seeds to boost oilseed output and meet domestic demand, according to a senior official of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The demand for soyabean as food and animal feed is rising in India, said Scott Sindelar, Minister Counselor, Agriculture Affairs, USDA.
Addressing a conference organised by US Soyabean Export Council (USSEC), Sindelar said: "If India wants to increase production of soyabean to meet domestic demand, it should allow use of innovative technologies, including genetically modified organism or GMO or allow imports from global market."
He said the existing processing capacity can be utilised by importing oilseed and highlighted that India's neighbour like Bangladesh is buying from overseas market.

India is fifth largest producer of soyabean in the world with production of around 10-12 million tonnes, while the US at the top with 120 million tonnes output, he added.
Sindelar said India's soyameal exports have been affected due to lack of price parity with global markets.
He stressed on increasing awareness about the health and economic benefit of soyabean among Indians.
Indian imports 14.5 million tonnes of vegetable oils to meet domestic demand.