This paper develops an econometric model to analyze the onfarm impact of adoption of genetically engineered (GE) crops on pesticide use and yields after controlling for other factors. The model, which corrects for self-selection and simultaneity and is consistent with profit maximization, is used to estimate the relationship between Bt corn adoption and insecticide use and yields using data fro...

A spirited debate on the pros and cons of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) began more than a decade ago and continues unabated to the present time. Scientists, politicians, farmers, seed company executives, food manufacturers, leaders of nongovernmental organizations, and food consumers have all joined the discussion. Many of the scientific and political issues related to GMOs were the sub...

The public discussion on the introduction of agro-genetic engineering focuses mainly on economical, ecological and human health aspects. The fact is neglected that laboratory animals must suffer before either humans or the environment are affected. However, numerous animal experiments are conducted for toxicity testing and authorisation of genetically modified plants in the European Union. Thes...

Background and purpose: In Europe, the EU Directive 2001/18/EC lays out the main provisions of environmental risk assessment (ERA) of genetically modified (GM) organisms that are interpreted very differently by different stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to: (a) describe the current implementation of ERA of GM plants in the EU and its scientific shortcomings, (b) present an improved ER...

The research intends to shed some light on the polarised debate about the use of agricultural biotechnology in the developing world, especially in Africa. The research reported here charts the pattern of smallholder adoption and the agronomic/economic impact in the first two seasons of the release of a genetically-modified (GM) crop – Bt cotton – in the Republic of South Africa. The paper discu...

Farming is an important and key factor for the economy of developing countries. Since last several years, farmers once again welcomed many traditional farming systems to get crop yield for completion of food requirement. Although, traditional techniques are not much sufficient in new agriculture world because farming is getting new challenges from biotic and abiotic factors. New techniques and ...

In 1987, a report by the National Academy of Sciences stated " an urgent need for the scientific community to provide guidance to both investigators and regulators in evaluating planned introductions of modified organisms from an ecological perspective " (39). This chapter incorporates such a perspective and focuses on a number of ecological issues relevant to the planned introduction of geneti...

Genetically modified organisms have been developed by application of advanced techniques of genetic engineering. GM crops offer distinctive advantages like insects, weed, disease and drought resistance, better nutritional value and higher yield. However in a considerable part of the world, non governmental organizations and/or the general public are hesitating or opposing the cultivation and ap...

The US and the EU may have put on a joint face at this month’s collapsed World Trade Organisation talks in Mexico, but disputes between them over genetically modified crops are deepening. Italy won the right to impose an emergency ban on genetically modified food products when Europe’s highest court intervened in the bitter dispute between Rome and US biotechnology companies. But Italy’s victor...

Biotechnology is a vital issue that impacts all of us. Development of genetically modified organisms is one of the highest achievements of this technology. It is being released throughout our environment and deployed with superficial or no risk assessments about its matchless powers to harm life. Within the next few years, many types of transgenic commodities will be ready for commercialization...