Isabgol Crisis Ahead? How A GST Confusion Could Disrupt Your Daily Fibre

Ambiguity in the classification of Isabgol or psyllium under GST 2.0 has become a looming dark cloud over the heads of thousands of Gujarat farmers after members of the All India Isabgol Processors Association announced that they will halt purchase of seeds from farmers through APMC markets and other sources across India from Oct. 6 onwards, as per Economic Times report.

The members of IPA stated that even after recurring representations since 2017, the government has not issued a clarification on whether 'fresh' and 'dry' Isabgol seeds come under the category of taxable GST goods or can be treated as agricultural products, the report added.

Isabgol, known as psyllium husk, is a natural source of soluble fibre used in food and health products. It helps regulate digestion by absorbing water and adding bulk to stool, making it a common ingredient in laxatives and high-fibre supplements.

If processors stop purchasing seeds, production of husk could slow down, leading to reduced supply for food and pharmaceutical companies. This could affect the availability of fibre-based products such as health drinks, biscuits, and dietary supplements.

A prolonged disruption might also lead to higher prices for processed Isabgol products in the retail market. However, short-term household use is unlikely to be immediately affected.

The industry, which exports psyllium husk worth more than Rs 3,500 crore per annum, mainly to the US, wishes that the government would stop collecting GST on isabgol seeds, according to ET.

"With tariffs imposed by the US government already hurting our shipments, the prolonged uncertainty over GST has made operations unsustainable", President of IPA, Ashwin Nayak told TOI.

He added that procurement cannot be resumed until government clarifies the category for Isabgol seeds. The confusion and vagueness in the classification has resulted in massive obstruction of funds in GST, building financial stress on top of eroding the industry's competitive position in the export market, TOI cited the processors as saying.

Due to an absence of buyers in the market, Isabgol farmers might face great difficulties in selling their harvest as a consequence of the IMA's decision, the industry players warned.

Moreover, India, which was thus far well positioned in the global market for its psyllium husk exports may also get displaced.

The IPA members told TOI that they have been propelled to take this decision collectively and unanimously after exploring and expending all the routes to have a discussion on the matter with the GST council and authorities.