Gmos: Prospects for Increased Crop Productivity in Developing Countries

22 Pages Posted: 16 Jan 2004

See all articles by Robert E. Evenson

Robert E. Evenson

Yale University - Economic Growth Center

Date Written: December 2003

Abstract

Genetically Modified Crops (GMO foods) have been widely available to farmers since 1996. The Gene Revolution, based on recombinant DNA (rDNA) genetic engineering techniques, is seen by proponents as both supplanting Green Revolution varieties, based on conventional plant breeding techniques, and potentially enabling disadvantaged production environments, unreached by Green Revolution varieties to achieve productivity improvements.

This paper argues that the private firms supplying GM crop products have generally had little interest in selling products in disadvantaged production environments. The paper also argues that present rDNA techniques allow only static gains from specific trait improvements. But these GM products can be installed on Green Revolution varieties where continued dynamic varietal improvement is possible. As a consequence, the Gene Revolution complements the Green Revolution, and because trait incorporation expands area planted to Green Revolution varieties, there is potential for productivity improvement in disadvantaged environments.

Keywords: Genetically Modified Foods, Genetic Engineering

JEL Classification: O1, O4, Q1

Suggested Citation

Evenson, Robert Eugene, Gmos: Prospects for Increased Crop Productivity in Developing Countries (December 2003). Yale University Economic Discussion Paper No. 878, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=487503

Robert Eugene Evenson (Contact Author)

Yale University - Economic Growth Center ( email )

Box 208269
New Haven, CT 06520-8269
United States
203-432-3626 (Phone)
203-432-5591 (Fax)

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