Transgenic crops, production risk and agrobiodiversity

Abstract

Do transgenic crops cause agrobiodiversity erosion?We hypothesise that they increaseproductivity and reduce production risk and may therefore reduce farmers’ demand foron-farm varietal diversity, especially when only a few transgenic varieties are available.We also hypothesise that varietal diversity can be preserved when more transgenic varietiesare supplied. These hypotheses are tested and confirmed with panel data for thecase of transgenic cotton in India. Cotton varietal diversity in India, with over 90 percent adoption of transgenic technology, is now at the same level than it was beforethe introduction of this technology. Some policy implications are discussed.