China Red-Flags Indian Rice As GMO, Sparks Export Concerns China has rejected rice shipments from three Indian companies, including Nagpur-based Shriram Food Industries, citing the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the grains. The move has raised concerns about its potential impact on India’s export markets. The rejected consignments, which were destined for animal fodder and industrial use rather than human consumption, had previously been cleared by China’s state-owned China Certification and Inspection Group (CCIC). Copies of these certificates, obtained by The Times of India, show the shipments were approved before leaving Indian ports. The rejection comes despite prior non-GMO certifications issued by CCIC, which operates in both India and China. The affected companies, based in Nagpur, Delhi, and Raipur, are now seeking clarification from Indian authorities such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Industry sources suggest the move could be part of a broader trade strategy, as China has historically imposed strict regulations on imported rice. India exports approximately 3 million tonnes of rice to China annually, accounting for about 18% of China’s annual 16 million tonne demand. Other major exporters to China include Vietnam, Thailand, and Pakistan. However, the non-GMO certification requirement appears to be uniquely applied to Indian shipments, according to trade sources. This has raised concerns that the GMO designation could affect India’s ability to export rice to other markets, including Africa, Russia, and the United States. The rejected shipments consisted of non-basmati broken rice, a commodity with significant demand in China. Indian non-basmati rice was previously banned in China until 2016, when diplomatic efforts opened the market, leading to a surge in trade.#nagpur #delhi #china #raipur #shriram_food_industries
