Import of GM yeast allowed for ethanol making

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has granted approval for the import of genetically engineered (GM) yeast for ethanol production.

Danisco (India) Pvt. Ltd. is among the key applicants cleared to import the active dried yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae, branded as Synerxia Jade, from the USA.

Danisco has sought permission to import and market 2,000 metric tonnes annually, but the approval comes with stringent biosafety requirements. The clearance, valid for four years under the 1989 Environment Protection Act rules, mandates strict zero-discharge protocols during import, transport, storage, and handling to prevent accidental environmental release.

The proposal, first reviewed in the 148th GEAC meeting, underwent multiple rounds of scrutiny with inputs from the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM). A detailed Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) covering storage, distribution, repacking, disposal, and decontamination was finalized in late 2024 and later endorsed by GEAC.

As per conditions, Danisco must adhere fully to the RARMP under the supervision of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSCs). Emergency action plans approved by IBSCs must be submitted before imports begin. For the first five batches, the company is required to provide 16s and 18s RNA sequencing reports to confirm absence of adventitious microbes.

The yeast is strictly restricted for ethanol production; any alternate use will require fresh GEAC clearance. Access must be limited to trained personnel with secure storage, triple-layer packaging, clear GMO labeling and detailed transport records. This will support India’s ethanol blending programme while ensuring biosafety through close regulatory monitoring.

In case of accidental release, Danisco will be responsible for site decontamination and must inform IBSC within three days.

The country has already achieved its E20 blending target well ahead of the deadline and Union Ministry has hinted at possible E27 plan roll out by the Central Government in near future. The import of GM yeast has come at a time when sugar-based ethanol’s contribution has plummeted from 73% to just 28%, while grain-based ethanol continues to gain ground.

A recent report by GEMA held that grain-based ethanol could help India save over Rs 1.28 lakh crore in foreign exchange between 2025 and 2030.