India allows import of 500,000 tonnes of duty-free, non-GM maize

India has asked a government-backed trader to import an extra half a million tonnes of duty-free, non-genetically modified (GM) maize to keep a lid on domestic prices and overcome any shortage, the trade ministry said on Sunday.

India, which allows cultivation and consumption of only genetically modified cotton, has had difficulty in sourcing non-GM maize in late 2015 and earlier this year, and New Delhi had to drop the plan to import more.

Experts have already voiced their concern over India's ability to find non-GM maize, which only a handful of countries grow.

To check prices and prevent hoarding, Trade Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved import of 500,000 tonnes, the trade ministry said in a Tweet.

Government sources on June 22 said India was considering importing 500,000 tonnes to bolster local supplies, after a second straight drought cut output.

Indian farmers grow maize twice a year. The winter crop is planted in October, with harvests in March and April. The summer crop planting has started, but supplies will become available only from end-September.

The government plans to import on behalf of major consumers like the poultry industry and starch manufacturers.