Genetically modified （GM） technology can significantly reduce pesticide use and increase yield in crop production. However, the benefit from reducing pesticide use varies substantially among farmers. The overall goa...Genetically modified （GM） technology can significantly reduce pesticide use and increase yield in crop production. However, the benefit from reducing pesticide use varies substantially among farmers. The overall goal of this paper is to understand the relationship between farmers＇ knowledge of GM technology and pesticide use in genetically modified papaya （GMP） production. Based on a survey of 223 farms in three main papaya production provinces in 2010, the data show that almost all papaya planted in 2009 was genetically modified. However, only 28% of papaya farmers knew that they planted GMP, and 55% of them did not know GMP is resistant to papaya ringspot virus （PRSV）. Further analyses using the general least squares （GLS） method show that farmers＇ knowledge of GMP significantly affects their pesticide use, and potential gain from GM technology is far below its full potential. The paper concludes with policy implications.展开更多
The economic benefits of insect-resistant genetically modified(GM) crops have been well documented, but the impact of such crops and the consequent reduction in pesticide use on farmers' health remains largely unk...The economic benefits of insect-resistant genetically modified(GM) crops have been well documented, but the impact of such crops and the consequent reduction in pesticide use on farmers' health remains largely unknown. Through the analysis of the data collected from the physical examination from farmers in China, we show that GM rice significantly reduces pesticide use and the resultant not only visible but also invisible adverse effects on farmers' neurological, hematological, and electrolyte system. Hence, the commercialization of GM rice is expected to improve the health of farmers in developing countries, where pesticide application is necessary to mitigate crop loss.展开更多
基金supported by the the National Key Program on Genetically Modified New Varieties ,China(2011ZX08015-002)the International Development Research Center(106100-001)
文摘Genetically modified （GM） technology can significantly reduce pesticide use and increase yield in crop production. However, the benefit from reducing pesticide use varies substantially among farmers. The overall goal of this paper is to understand the relationship between farmers＇ knowledge of GM technology and pesticide use in genetically modified papaya （GMP） production. Based on a survey of 223 farms in three main papaya production provinces in 2010, the data show that almost all papaya planted in 2009 was genetically modified. However, only 28% of papaya farmers knew that they planted GMP, and 55% of them did not know GMP is resistant to papaya ringspot virus （PRSV）. Further analyses using the general least squares （GLS） method show that farmers＇ knowledge of GMP significantly affects their pesticide use, and potential gain from GM technology is far below its full potential. The paper concludes with policy implications.
基金supported by the International Development Research Center(106160-002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(71333013,71210004)National Key Program on Genetically Modified New Varieties(2011ZX08015-002A)
文摘The economic benefits of insect-resistant genetically modified(GM) crops have been well documented, but the impact of such crops and the consequent reduction in pesticide use on farmers' health remains largely unknown. Through the analysis of the data collected from the physical examination from farmers in China, we show that GM rice significantly reduces pesticide use and the resultant not only visible but also invisible adverse effects on farmers' neurological, hematological, and electrolyte system. Hence, the commercialization of GM rice is expected to improve the health of farmers in developing countries, where pesticide application is necessary to mitigate crop loss.
