Gmos: Prospects for Increased Crop Productivity in Developing Countries
22 Pages Posted: 16 Jan 2004
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: Suggested Citation
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