New Delhi, Feb. 9 -- Under the interim trade agreement with the US, India has allowed the import of an animal feed item called distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS), which is made from genetically modified (GM) corn.

This has rekindled the debate on the use of transgenics in the farm sector, in addition to concerns that imports may indirectly impact farm gate prices for Indian soy and corn farmers. Mint explains what's at stake.

DDGS is a protein-rich byproduct of ethanol manufacturing using grains like corn and rice. The US mostly uses GM corn for producing ethanol. Therefore, DDGS is a GM-based animal feed used for cattle, poultry, and fisheries.

In India, ethanol manufacturers produce DDGS, but this is made using non-GM corn (...