Distillers Dried Grain with Soluble (DDGS)
Context:
Under the interim trade deal with the US, India has agreed to allow the import of an animal feed item called Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS), made from genetically modified (GM) Corn
It has renewed debate on transgenics, amid fears imports may depress farm gate prices.
What is it?
DDGS is a protein-rich byproduct of ethanol manufacturing.
It is produced when grains like corn (maize) and rice are processed to make ethanol.
It is primarily used as nutrient-rich animal feed for cattle, poultry, and fisheries.
Production Process:
DDGS begins with the fermentation of starch-rich grains.
Once the fermentation is underway, yeast acts on the starch, leading to the production of ethanol.
Ethanol is distilled away and non-starch residues are then separated.
Applications:
A cost-effective alternative to traditional feed ingredients.
Primarily utilized in the livestock industry for cattle, swine, poultry, and fish diets.
The GM Distinction:
The US mostly uses Genetically Modified (GM) corn for producing ethanol.
Therefore, the DDGS imported from the US is a GM-based animal feed.
In India, ethanol manufacturers also produce DDGS, but it is made using non-GM corn and rice.
Trade Deal:
India will allow duty-free import of DDGS from the US, but only in limited quantities.
While India has not granted direct market access to US-grown GM soybean and maize crops, it has effectively allowed a GM-derivative through this entry.
Significance & Concerns:
In India, the food safety authority mandates that import of 24 food items (including soy and corn) must carry GM-free certificate.
Critics argued that India has not yet allowed the use of transgenic technologies in food crops (currently, Bt Cotton is the only permitted GM crop).
Economic Impact:
There are fears that the import of cheaper US DDGS may depress farm gate prices for domestic farmers.