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Hybrid Mustard and Biotechnology

Vol. 58, Issue No. 43, 28 Oct, 2023
Chandra S Nuthalapati, David Zilberman, Matin Qaim, Prabhu Pingali

The government’s decision to move ahead on the much-delayed genetically modified mustard developed by the University of Delhi signifies a turnaround and bodes well for the country’s food system. Numerous tests over the last 20 years prove its safety for food, feed, and the environment in the Indian context. The resultant hybrid DMH-11 gives a yield advantage of 37% with the same level of inputs. Our analysis shows that the farming community will get 99% of the additional monetary gains, leaving only 1% to the seed companies. Establishing a hybrid seed production system through this approval is a breakthrough, and several new hybrids with higher yields and desirable characteristics might follow in the next few years that can lead to a turnaround in mustard production.

Bt Cotton Controversy

Vol. 40, Issue No. 15, 09 Apr, 2005
Arjunan Subramanian, David Zilberman, Gopal Naik, Matin Qaim

Studies conducted to help resolve the debate surrounding the economic benefits of Bt cotton to farmers in India report both positive and negative results. Since its introduction, the acreage under approved Bt cotton in India has increased substantially from 90,000 acres in 2002 to 1.3 million acres in 2004. This study, with the help of a primary survey, explores the paradoxes reported in earlier studies on Indian experience and finds that the technology generates overall economic benefits on average, but heterogeneity among farmers needs to be accounted for. The study also finds that germplasm effects can play an important role.

Transgenic Crops and Developing Countries

Vol. 36, Issue No. 32, 11 Aug, 2001
Matin Qaim

The use of biotechnology to grow transgenic crops with specific beneficial traits is being touted as the way ahead to feed the rapidly growing populations in poor countries. However, the drive in agricultural biotechnology is led largely by industrial countries, and particularly by private companies, with possible attendant bottlenecks in the use of such technology by poor countries. This article tries to give a comprehensive overview of the merits and limitations of transgenic crop technologies in a development context.

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