Yield effects of genetically modified crops in developing countries
Abstract
Onfarm field trials carried out with Basillus thuringenesis (Bt) cotton in different states of India show that the technology substantially reduces pest damage and increases yields. The yield gains are much higher than what has been reported for other countries where genetically modified crops were used mostly to replace and enhance chemical pest control. In many developing countries, small-scale farmers especially suffer big pest-related yield losses because of technical and economic constraints. Pest-resistant genetically modified crops can contribute to increased yields and agricultural growth in those situations, as the case of Bt cotton in India demonstrates.
Description
Metadata only record
Keywords
Small-scale farming, Economic policy, Pest control, Cash crops, Biotechnology, Gm crops, BT Cotton, Developing countries, India, Governance
Citation
Science 299 (2003): 900-902.