Foreign Pressure on India’s Kitchen? PM Modi’s Big Statement on GMO Food

A fresh controversy is brewing over India’s food security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dropped a strong statement, claiming that certain global powers want to “take control over India’s kitchen.” The debate centers around Genetically Modified (GMO) Food, something that could change the future of farming and what ends up on our plates.

Reports suggest that in 2021, 2022, and again in February 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that India should allow the entry of GMO food. In exchange, cheaper trade deals on other products were promised.

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What is GMO Food?

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms.
In simple terms, scientists alter the DNA of crops in laboratories by mixing genes from plants, bacteria, viruses, fungi, or even animals. This creates a completely unnatural crop with traits like pest resistance or higher yield.

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Why the Concerns?

• Agencies like the FDA say GMO food is safe.

• But back in 1992, the FDA itself admitted that it does not fully know how different GMO food is from natural food.

• In 1998, during a lawsuit, FDA scientists revealed that GMO food could pose serious health risks.

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The BT Toxin Issue

Most GMO crops are engineered with a chemical called BT Toxin.
It works by killing pests — when an insect eats the crop, its stomach bursts. But experts warn: if this is harmful to insects, what could it do to the beneficial bacteria in the human gut?

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Who Controls the Game?

At the center of this debate is the giant corporation Monsanto.

• The same company that spread DDT during World War II.

• Today, Monsanto holds most patents and control over GMO food globally.

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Why India Must Be Careful

If India approves GMO food widely, it could mean:

• Foreign corporations controlling Indian seeds and farming.

• A direct threat to India’s food independence and public health.

• Farmers becoming dependent on expensive patented seeds.

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The Bottom Line

This is not just about crops or trade deals — it is about India’s food sovereignty, health, and future generations. Every citizen must be aware of the risks before GMO food becomes a permanent part of our kitchen.