An emerging middle class numbering nearly 200 million people backed by continued strong economic growth – anticipated to be 8.8 percent this year – is raising food security concerns within India, according to U.S. Grains Council leaders who were on the Council’s Officers Mission to India this week.

“These rising expectations are, in turn, putting pressure on food production and infrastructure,� said Terry Vinduska, USGC chairman and Board member for Kansas Corn Commission. “However, we believe U.S. corn, barley and sorghum growers have the products and tools to help India improve its food security and quality in the future.�

Vinduska and other Council officers, plus officers from the National Corn Growers Association, were on the mission.

“We found significant opportunities to work with the corn milling and dairy industries, helping them identify ways to expand their market as India’s population and middle class continues to grow,� Vinduska said. “The relationship between India and the United States is positive, and we aim to continue that through cooperating and building partnerships in agriculture.�

Thomas C. Dorr, USGC president and CEO, said that while it is clear there are many challenges in India, “its people are engaged in a robust economy that will create long term improvements in their quality of life.�

While in India’s state of Gujarat, Dorr said those on the mission had the opportunity to meet wet milling and dairy producers that are strong, vibrant and innovative.

“There are opportunities to build partnerships within these sectors,� he said. “This would be of great value going forward because it would help us determine how best to support India’s growing needs in agriculture and how we can perhaps meet those needs with U.S. feed grains and their related co-products.�

Vinduska said there also seems to be an eagerness to explore how to better understand biotechnology and the issues surrounding its use in agriculture, adding that many believe a broader acceptance of biotechnology is coming.

“It is challenging for Indian farmers to communicate to policy makers and customers their interest in and respect for these new technologies,� he said. “Over time, perhaps Indian farm organizations and ag media can become more organized to help tell this story.�

The Council’s Officers Mission continues a directive from the organization’s Board of Directors to further explore opportunities for the organization in India.

“We are encouraging open trade policies that allow trust and market forces enhance trade relationships that build over time,� Dorr said. “This could provide tremendous opportunities for India to enhance food security efforts through trade.�

Vinduska noted that while the Council has a consultant in India, the Board is considering opening an office in the country.

“As an organization, we need to remain flexible and adapt to market opportunities,� he said. “We opened an office in Panama last year to better connect to key markets in that region and it is worth considering to do the same in India.�